Mackinac Island: A Hiker’s Paradise
With narrow, rock-strewn paths up to refreshing water views and ancient trails through the woods to legendary rock formations forged eons ago, Mackinac Island is full of beautiful surprises around every turn. What a joy it is for the adventurer in you to step outside of town and into the forested wilderness of Mackinac Island State Park! Come explore the island’s quietest corners and discover its most stunning sights the way Mackinac’s original inhabitants did – on foot.
Island Experiences You Will Love
Encounter Sugar Loaf
Rising 75 feet out of the earth, you can’t miss this mystical tower of limestone in the heart of Mackinac Island State Park – so long as you can find the sacred clearing in the woods where it stands. Legend has it that a divine spirit made Sugar Loaf out of a man. Come see if you can make out the profile of a face in the rock!
Ascend to Fort Holmes
Reaching the highest point of Mackinac Island is no small task. Yet, the reward for hiking to the top is huge – a gorgeous, panoramic view of the surrounding waters from 900 feet above sea level! Fort Holmes is a fine spot for a picnic, and to re-live a bit of Mackinac Island history from the War of 1812.
See Arch Rock
Arch Rock is perhaps the most photographed spot on Mackinac Island, and with good reason. The ancient limestone arch spans 50 feet, creating a spectacular window to Lake Huron some 145 feet below. Aside from being a super selfie spot, Arch Rock is a bridge to the spirit world, according to Native American legend.
Wiggle through the Crack in the Island
Far off the beaten path is a fun bit of Mackinac Island novelty – a crack in the island’s limestone foundation. If you can find your way there just past Cave of the Woods, you can have some fun squeezing through the crevice and taking pictures that make it appear as though you’re stuck!
Walk the Botanical Trail
There are more than 600 species of plants on Mackinac Island, and you can learn about them while hiking a botanical trail through the woods with several turnouts featuring benches and informational signs. The trail offers insight into everything from trees and wildflowers on Mackinac Island to birds and other wildlife.
See Skull Cave
Put yourself in Alexander Henry’s shoes and see the cave where he fled when Fort Michilimackinac was attacked in 1763. The Englishman took cover through the night in what is now known as Skull Cave – so named because he awoke in the morning to discover he had been sleeping next to a pile of bones!
Go on a Guided Hike
Make sure you hit all the spectacular sights and legendary landmarks by taking a guided hike around Mackinac Island with Inside Out Tours or Chad's Walking Tours. Mike and Mallarie will take you on a 2-hour exploration of the state park that covers more than 80% of the island incuding, visiting the spots above plus a few more you might otherwise miss.
Even during the busiest weekends of summer, the wilderness of Mackinac Island State Park offers you the chance to escape into your own personal wonderland of natural beauty. You only need take advantage of your freedom to lace up your shoes and go explore! Whether you want to discover historical markers such as Anne’s Tablet and the Somewhere in Time Gazebo, make your way up to Wings of Mackinac butterfly conservatory and the picnic tables at Fort Holmes, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown or walk all 8.2 miles around the Great Turtle’s outer rim, there’s so much to see and do on foot around Mackinac Island!
Start Planning
Now that you have an idea of which highlights to hike to, figure out when you want to visit Mackinac Island, where you’d like to stay, and how you’re going to get here. Use the links below to plan an adventure you’ll remember forever.
