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Presque Isle River Trail

Ottawa National Forest, Michigan · 3 min read

Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Presque Isle River gorge with multiple cascades and falls
  • Lake Superior shoreline at the river mouth
  • Suspension footbridge over the river gorge
  • Adjacent to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
  • One of the better short waterfall hikes in the Ottawa area

Overview

The Presque Isle River Trail follows one of the Upper Peninsula's most dramatic river corridors from a campground parking area down to Lake Superior, passing a series of cascades and a suspension bridge over the gorge. The 3.5-mile out-and-back connects the river mouth at Lake Superior back to the trailhead in the Ottawa National Forest and adjacent Porcupine Mountains area. The gorge section has genuine drama: the river narrows between basalt walls before releasing into the broad expanse of Superior.

No permit is required for the national forest section. The trail is well-maintained.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Gorge approach. From the campground parking area, the trail descends along the river on the east bank through a mixed hemlock and cedar forest. The gorge walls rise as the river descends in a series of stepped cascades. A suspension footbridge crosses the river mid-gorge, connecting east and west bank trails.

Miles 1.0 to 1.75: Gorge mouth and Lake Superior. The gorge opens as the river approaches the lake. The trail emerges onto the rocky Lake Superior shoreline at the river mouth. The views across the lake are expansive; the opposite shore of Wisconsin is visible on clear days.

When to Hike

May offers peak river volume and the best spring fishing. The waterfalls are most powerful from snowmelt through June.

September and October offer excellent conditions with fall color in the surrounding forest and cooler temperatures for the lake shore.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Flush restrooms and water are at the campground. Waterproof footwear recommended in early season. Layers for the exposed Lake Superior shoreline.

Trailhead Access

County Road 519 leads to the campground from State Route 64 west of White Pine. From Ironwood, head east on US-2, then north on SR-64 to CR-519.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Flush restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is available at the trailhead. 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 Ottawa National Forest 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 Black River Waterfalls trail is the other major river corridor experience in Ottawa, to the west along the Lake Superior shoreline. Follow Leave No Trace principles along the gorge and at the lake.

Trailhead Parking

Presque Isle River Campground parking area on County Road 519, Porcupine Mountains area. Paved lot. No fee for trail access; camping fee for overnight use.

← Back to Ottawa National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Presque Isle River Trail in Ottawa National Forest or Porcupine Mountains State Park?
The Presque Isle River drains both national forest land and the adjacent Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The river forms part of the boundary between the two. The trail described here accesses the lower gorge and Lake Superior mouth from the national forest side. The Porcupine Mountains State Park visitor center and the majority of the park's trails are on the state park side. If you want the full Presque Isle experience including the upper falls in the park, a Michigan state park vehicle permit is required (as of 2026).
Can I see Lake Superior from this trail?
Yes. The trail follows the Presque Isle River to its mouth at Lake Superior. The shoreline at the river mouth is rocky and dramatic, with the lake stretching to the horizon. The views are best in the morning before afternoon haze develops. The scale of Lake Superior becomes apparent immediately: it is not a typical inland lake.
Is the Presque Isle River good for fishing?
The lower Presque Isle holds steelhead and brown trout runs in spring (late March through May) that attract significant fishing pressure. The river is designated as a wild trout stream in its upper reaches. A Michigan fishing license is required (as of 2026). Check Michigan DNR regulations for current special regulations on steelhead runs.