Hiawatha National Forest Forest Road 2173 Tahquamenon Falls Backcountry 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.