Hiawatha National Forest Forest Road 2173 Tahquamenon Falls Backcountry Route
Sandy UP wilderness connector route
Forest Road 2173 runs 14 miles through the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness, connecting the Lake Superior shoreline near Grand Marais to the backcountry areas around Tahquamenon Falls. The route follows old logging roads through mixed hardwood and pine forests, passing several small lakes and crossing numerous beaver-dammed creeks. Sand gets deep in spots, particularly the three-mile stretch through the old burn area where jack pines have regenerated since the 1980 Seney fire.
Stock high-clearance vehicles can handle most of this route, but momentum and proper tire pressure are essential in the sandy sections. Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions, though mosquitoes and black flies are brutal from May through July. The road provides access to excellent dispersed camping along Betsy Lake and connects to the North Country Trail for hikers. Fuel up in Grand Marais — it’s 40+ miles to the next services once you’re committed to the route.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Grand Marais, Michigan |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run FR 2173 without airing down?
High-clearance 2WD is the minimum, but deep sand sections will punish you if you don't air down to 18-22 PSI. Stock all-terrain tires handle it fine — street tires will have you spinning and stuck.
When does FR 2173 actually open after winter, and is October pushing it?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring mud and snowmelt can keep the forest roads soft and impassable into late May. October is generally solid but early snow is possible in the UP — check with Hiawatha National Forest before heading out late in the season.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive and camp on FR 2173?
No permit required and no fee for dispersed camping on Hiawatha National Forest land. Standard 14-day stay limit applies. Leave no trace rules are enforced — pack out everything.
What's the hardest section of this route and what actually makes it technical?
The challenge isn't rocks or ledges — it's sustained deep sand that can swallow momentum fast. Loose sand ruts on the more remote stretches are where people get stuck, especially heavier builds. Keep moving, stay in existing tracks, and air down before you need to.
Is there any place to refuel or resupply near the route, and what's the gas situation?
Grand Marais is the nearest town and has limited services — fuel up there before you start. The nearest reliable gas and groceries beyond that are in Newberry or Munising, both 40-60 miles out. Cell service is nonexistent on the route, so plan everything before you leave pavement.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.