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Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area

Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area, a 10,000-acre motor-free zone in the Huron unit
  • Six small lakes accessible on foot only within the travel area
  • Old-growth jack pine stands uncommon elsewhere in the Lower Peninsula
  • Exceptional wildlife: black bear, coyote, bald eagle, and loons present
  • True solitude: the motor-free designation keeps the area very quiet

Overview

The Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area is one of the quietest destinations in Huron-Manistee National Forests, a 10,000-acre motor-free zone in the Huron unit where multiple small lakes are accessible only on foot. The 6-mile loop described here connects three of the area's lakes through old jack pine and mixed forest, with consistent wildlife activity and genuine solitude even during the summer season.

No permit required. Dispersed camping allowed throughout.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Lower Hoist Lake. The trail enters the foot travel area immediately from the parking area. Within the first mile the first lake becomes visible. Lower Hoist Lake is the most accessible and the most commonly visited within the area. Loons breed on the lake; bald eagles fish here regularly.

Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Interior lakes. The trail continues to the interior lakes, passing through the oldest jack pine stands in the area. These trees, grown without the disturbance of timber harvest, are unusually large for their species. The stands are managed in part to maintain Kirtland's warbler nesting habitat adjacent to the foot travel area.

Miles 4.0 to 6.0: Return circuit. The loop returns to the trailhead via a western route through mixed hardwood and pine, crossing a small wetland before the final approach to the parking area.

When to Hike

May and June for Kirtland's warbler activity near the area boundary and spring lake waterfowl. September for bear activity (berry season) and excellent fishing conditions.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; lake water is nearby but requires treatment. Bear spray recommended. Fishing gear for the lake sections.

Trailhead Access

M-33 between Rose City and Mio in the central Lower Peninsula. About 30 miles from Gaylord.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Huron-Manistee National Forests ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The North Country Trail: Au Sable River is the other major hiking experience in the Huron unit. See our bear canister guide for camping in bear-active terrain. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout this quiet foot travel area.

Trailhead Parking

Hoist Lakes Trailhead off M-33 between Rose City and Mio. Gravel parking area. No fee.

← Back to Huron-Manistee National Forests

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area?
The Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area is a 10,000-acre nonmotorized recreation area within the Huron unit of Huron-Manistee National Forests. All motor vehicles, including ATVs, snowmobiles, and off-road motorcycles, are prohibited within the area. The trail system connects multiple small lakes accessible only on foot, creating a genuine backcountry experience in the Lower Peninsula. The designation makes it one of the quietest areas in the Huron unit.
Are there bears in the Hoist Lakes area?
Yes. The Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area has a resident black bear population. The USFS recommends standard bear safety practices: make noise on the trail to avoid surprising bears, store food properly in camp, and do not approach or feed bears. Black bears in the Lower Peninsula are generally shy and encounters are uncommon, but awareness is warranted especially around campsites.
Can I camp in the Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area?
Yes. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the foot travel area with no permit required. No campfires are allowed in the area during dry periods; check current restrictions with the Mio Ranger District. Water from the lakes should be treated before drinking. The remote character of the area makes it a good multi-night backpacking destination.