ABOUT THE HIAWATHA WATER TRAIL
Gitche Gumee, the Ojibwa (Native American) name for Lake Superior, has inspired all who have stood on her shore or paddled her waters. Running 120 miles from Big Bay to Grand Marais Michigan on Lake Superior’s south shore, the Hiawatha Water Trail (HWT) follows a shoreline paddled by Native Americans, Voyageurs and early European explorers. Experience some of the most scenic paddling available in the Midwest at places such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island National Recreation Area, Hiawatha National Forest and other public lands. Stopping in at the communities of Big Bay, Marquette, Munising and Grand Marais, a paddler finds places filled with history and friendly people.
Access: The HWT is ready for you to come paddle for an afternoon, all day, overnight or passing through on an extended trip. Currently, the water trail is fully developed along the eastern third from Munising to Grand Marias, a section that includes the Grand Island National Recreation Area and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Campsites, signs and public land are bountiful here. Between Munising and Marquette, there are plenty of public access points and a sparse but adequate number campsites on public lands or at a private campground. In the Marquette area, west to Little Presque Isle, there are public access points but campsites are scarce. Between Little Presque Isle and Big Bay, a distance of 25 miles, there are no public lands and therefore it is not possible to land or camp without the landowners permission. Find out more by clicking on Access Points and Campsites.
More Information: www.hiawathawatertrail.org
USE TRAILS AT YOUR OWN RISK
Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
Support Trails: Please support trail efforts by purchasing a membership, donating, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor.