Overview
The Eben Ice Caves Trail leads to one of Hiawatha National Forest's most unusual destinations: a sandstone slot canyon that transforms into a frozen grotto each winter. Seeps from the canyon walls freeze into columns, curtains, and cave-like overhangs of ice that draw visitors from across the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. In summer the same canyon is cool, mossy, and quiet, with the sandstone walls dripping with ferns and lichens.
The trail is located near the Rock River, southwest of Munising, in the less-visited southern portion of the forest. It is short enough to be an add-on to another hike rather than a standalone day trip.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 0.9: Forest Approach
From the trailhead parking on Rock River Road, the trail follows a straightforward path north through a mixed forest of maple, birch, and hemlock. The terrain is gently rolling. In winter the forest holds deep snow and the trail is typically packed by previous visitors. In summer the understory is open and shaded.
The Canyon
The canyon appears suddenly as the trail drops into a narrow sandstone slot. The walls are 20 to 40 feet high in places, streaked with mineral stains in orange, red, and black. In winter, ice builds from every seep and crack: columns along the walls, platforms on the canyon floor, and roof-like overhangs over alcoves. The canyon branches into two arms, both worth exploring. Total time inside the canyon is typically 20 to 40 minutes.
In summer the canyon is significantly less dramatic but still interesting. The walls are covered in mosses and ferns, the air is noticeably cooler than the surrounding forest, and the geology is visible without the distraction of the ice. Small streams run through the bottom in spring.
When to Hike
December through February for ice: sustained cold temperatures (consistently below 20°F for at least two weeks) are needed to build the best formations. Check recent visitor reports before making a special trip: warm spells can collapse the formations quickly.
June through September for summer: the canyon is shaded and cool, and the wildflowers along the approach trail are at their best in June.
Spring (March to May) is the least rewarding time: ice is melting and unstable, the canyon floor is muddy, and the approach trail can be wet and slippery.
What to Bring
In winter, microspikes or crampons are strongly recommended for the canyon interior. The ice floor is often very slick. Dress in layers: the canyon is significantly colder than the surrounding forest in winter. Carry water from home in winter; streams are frozen. In summer, the hike is short enough that a water bottle from the car is typically sufficient.
Trailhead Access
The trailhead is on Rock River Road, which branches off H-01 south of Chatham. The road is unpaved for the approach; in winter it is plowed only intermittently. Most visitors arrive in high-clearance vehicles or with 4WD in winter. No fee, no permit required (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.
Nearby
The Rock River Canyon Wilderness Trail begins just a few miles away and explores the larger Rock River Canyon with a waterfall. The Au Train Lake Trail is a pleasant 20-minute drive and offers a very different lake-loop experience. Review Leave No Trace principles before your visit: the canyon is fragile and the sandstone can be damaged by climbing on the formations.