Trails around Ontonagon

Bergland to Sidnaw Rail-Trail Facts

There’s no need to hold your breath along the Bergland to Sidnaw Rail-Trail while teetering across steep land bridges or crossing the impressive trestles that tower over streams and rivers because the spectacular views will take your breath away. You will be rewarded with one such view about midway along this 43-mile trail as you overlook Agate Falls rushing down the rocky steps of the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. The trail is also known as Trail 8 on Michigan snowmobile maps

Length: 43.5 miles

Trail end points: Sidnaw and Bergland

Trail surfaces: Ballast, Dirt

Trail category: Rail-Trail

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Bill Nicholls Trail
Counties: Houghton, Ontonagon

The soft-surface trail is a popular destination for motorized off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and snow-mobiles, so mountain bikers and hikers should be prepared to deal with wear and tear on the trail. Beginning at the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds outside of Greenland, the first couple of miles can be challenging for trail users. A rock escarpment, steep grades, and mine tailings placed on the trail to prevent erosion will force you to watch your progress. You’ll soon pass the Adventure Mine, a copper mine (1850–1920) that’s now open for tours as part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, a collection of heritage sites celebrating the region’s copper-mining history. At 2 miles, the trail heads northeast and merges with the former railroad line and its level surface. Not long after crossing MI 38, you’ll cross the first of three steel bridges over the Firesteel River, which total 1,300 feet in length and clear the rivers by 85 feet, creating one of the trail’s scenic highlights.

Length: 41.5 miles

Trail end points: Depot St. (Greenland) between Ridge Road and Adventure Ave. and Raymond C. Kestner Waterfront Park at Houghton Canal Road west of W. Lakeshore Dr. (Houghton)

Trail surfaces: Ballast, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Trail category: Rail-Trail

Bond Falls Loop

‍Bond Falls Loop is a 0.9 mile loop trail located near Bruce Crossing, Michigan that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. From Houghton, follow M-26 W to US-45 to Bond Falls Rd in Paulding, MI for 66.8 miles. Turn left on Bond Falls Rd to Scenic Overlook Dr for 3.4 miles.

Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail

‍The trail is located near Bob Lake Campground, is about 1 1/4 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to hike. The ground is fairly level with small inclines. The trail can be accessed north of Kenton on Forest Road 1470, then take FR 1478 to Bob Lake Campground. The loop trail begins at the parking lot of the picnic area. Cycle of Life Trail – This trail is fairly level and takes about one hour to hike. It is accessed about 6 miles east of Mass City off M-38 on Forest Road 1960 at Courtney Lake Campground. It starts across from the day use parking area and ends at campsite 7. There is a bog viewing station on the trail.

Cascade Falls Trail

A 2-mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Bergland, Michigan that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is best used from May until November. Directions: In Ontonagon head southeast on River St. toward Tin St. (381 ft), turn right onto Rockland Rd for 0.3 miles. Then turn right on M-64 for 1.6 miles and turn left onto Norwich Road for 12.9 miles. Then turn right onto Forest Road 630 for 2.2 miles and keep left to stay on Forest Road 630 for 1.8 miles and then turn left on Forest Road 400 for 0.5 miles. The trail is a loop trail and is 2.0 miles long. People have commented that the immediate trail is overgrown and hard to locate, but with a little effort it can be found.

O Kun De Kun Trail

The O Kun De Kun Trail is part of the North Country Trail System. The trail is fairly level with slight slopes and takes about 45 minutes to hike. It has pretty waterfalls, an impressive expansion bridge and is fairly easy walking. It is located about halfway between Rockland MI and Bruce Crossing off of US 45. Cascade Falls Trail – This one mile trail offers two alternative routes to reach a small waterfall on Cascade Creek. The scenic Twin Peaks route climbs a bluff overlooking the West Branch of the Ontonagon River and the Trap Hills. The valley route avoids the steep path of the higher route but reaches the same destination. To reach the trailhead parking lot, go 7 miles northeast of Bergland on Forest Road 400 to the junction with FR 468. The two routes depart from the parking lot.

Trap Hills Traverse Trail

Part of the North Country Trail System this is a 6.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Bergland, Michigan in southern Ontonagon County, features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is best used from May until November. Elevation is 1,145 ft. and has some steep inclines. Directions: Head southeast on River St. toward Tin St and turn right onto Rockland Rd. Directions: Turn right on M-64 for 5.4 miles and turn left on L P Walsh Road for 12.4 miles. Then turn left on M-64 for 1.2 miles and then turn left onto Old M-64 S for 4.1 miles