Michigan Adventure Trail Section A
Official Michigan overland trail through mining country
Section A of the Michigan Adventure Trail kicks off in Ironwood and runs 167 miles northeast to Grand Marais, cutting through the heart of mining country where iron ore built America’s backbone. You’ll navigate forest service roads through the Ottawa National Forest, cross the Ontonagon River multiple times, and hit the technical challenge of climbing out of the Porcupine Mountains before descending to Lake Superior’s wild shoreline. The route passes abandoned mining camps, crosses dozens of creek beds, and offers glimpses of waterfalls that most tourists never see.
This is legitimate backcountry – expect loose rock, mud holes after rain, and at least moderate 4WD skills required for the steeper climbs. Stock high-clearance 4WD handles it fine, but low-range and decent tires are non-negotiable. Best run May through October when the worst of the mud season passes. No permits needed, but fuel up in Ironwood and carry water. You’ll earn genuine solitude, pristine camping along Lake Superior, and bragging rights on completing the trail that put Michigan on the overland map.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 167 mi / 268.7 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1958 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Ironwood, Michigan |
| Land manager | Ottawa National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run Section A without modifications?
Yes — stock high-clearance 4WD is the listed minimum and handles the trail well. Lifted rigs aren't required, but good all-terrain tires and a working low-range are non-negotiable on the softer two-track sections.
When does Section A typically open, and can you run it in early spring?
The best window is May through October. Early spring (April/early May) is risky — snowmelt turns sections of the UP into deep mud and some Forest Service roads stay gated. Check with Ottawa National Forest before committing to anything before mid-May.
Do you need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on Ottawa National Forest land is free and legal under standard National Forest rules — 14-night stay limit, 300 feet from water and roads. No fire permits needed outside of declared burn restrictions, but check current conditions with Ottawa NF before you go.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The toughest stretches tend to involve soft sandy two-track and wet low-lying areas that can swallow tires after rain. The water crossings aren't technical rock-crawling obstacles, but crossing depths can rise significantly after heavy rain — approach every crossing slow and check depth before committing.
How far apart are gas stations, and is 167 miles doable without a fuel plan?
Ironwood at the start and small UP towns like Bruce Crossing and Watersmeet are your realistic fuel stops — stretches between services can exceed 50-60 miles on back roads. Carry a minimum 5-gallon spare fuel can; running Section A in 3-4 days at trail pace burns more than highway estimates suggest.
Trail track
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