Overview
The Lake Superior Beach Walk at Hiawatha National Forest is one of the most accessible routes to an honest Lake Superior shoreline experience. Starting at the Bay Furnace Campground near the town of Christmas, the route follows the shoreline east along a mix of cobble and sand, passing the stone ruins of the 1870s Bay Furnace iron smelter before continuing to an undeveloped beach section with wide lake views.
The campground itself is perched directly above the shore, making this one of the few developed campgrounds in the forest with direct lake access. The day-use parking is free for non-campers, and the facilities (flush toilets, water) make it a comfortable starting point for a casual morning or afternoon outing.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 0.5: Bay Furnace Ruins
From the day-use parking area, walk north past the campground beach to the Bay Furnace ruins. The stone stack of the furnace still stands about 30 feet tall, partially stabilized with mortar. Interpretive signs explain the history of the ironworks operation, which ran from 1869 to 1877 and consumed the surrounding hardwood forest at a rapid pace before the timber supply was depleted. The ruins are the most culturally interesting feature of the walk.
Miles 0.5 to 2.0: East Shoreline
Continuing east from the furnace, the route follows the natural shoreline over cobble beaches and sandy stretches. There is no formal trail here: the walk is simply along the water's edge. Wide views open across Lake Superior to the north, and on clear days you can see the sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks to the east. The walk ends at a natural turnaround near a small creek outlet at mile 2.0.
When to Hike
May through October covers the full accessible season. The lakeshore is windswept and atmospheric in May; water is cold but the light is soft and flat-calm mornings can produce excellent photography. July and August are warmest. September brings calm conditions and dramatic lake light as the season changes.
November through April the campground is closed but the lakeshore remains accessible. Winter walks on the frozen beach when ice forms on the shallows are striking, but dress for severe cold and wind.
What to Bring
Water is available at the campground facilities in season. A light jacket is recommended year-round: the open shoreline can be significantly windier than the forest. Sunscreen for the exposed beach sections. The footing on cobble beach is uneven; sturdy shoes outperform sandals.
Trailhead Access
The Bay Furnace Campground is on H-58 near Christmas, Michigan, about 12 miles west of Munising. The road to the campground is paved. Flush toilets and water are available in season (May through October, as of 2026). Day-use parking is free; no permit required. Dogs must be on leash.
Nearby
The Au Train Lake Trail is about 5 miles further west and provides a forested lake-loop option. The Chapel Loop is 15 miles east near Munising and offers a more challenging experience. Review Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash and leave the shoreline as you found it.