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Sturgeon River Gorge Trail

Ottawa National Forest, Michigan · 3 min read

Distance
6.5 mi
Elevation Gain
900 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
June through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
7 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
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

  • Sturgeon River Gorge: Michigan's deepest river gorge, reaching 300 feet in depth
  • Old-growth eastern hemlock in the gorge bottom
  • Dramatic canyon walls and exposed basalt cliffs
  • Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness designation protecting 14,000 acres
  • Excellent wildlife: black bear, bald eagle, river otter common along the gorge

Overview

The Sturgeon River Gorge Trail descends into Michigan's deepest river gorge, a 300-foot canyon carved through ancient basalt and sandstone that shelters a forest of old-growth eastern hemlock on the gorge floor. The 6.5-mile loop in Ottawa National Forest's Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness traverses the rim, descends steeply to the river, and returns along the water before climbing back out. The combination of dramatic geology, old-growth trees, and reliable wildlife sightings makes this one of the finest hikes in the eastern Ottawa.

No permit is required. Dispersed camping is allowed in the wilderness.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Rim approach. The trail begins on the gorge rim through second-growth hardwood forest, with occasional glimpses of the canyon below through gaps in the trees. The depth of the gorge becomes apparent quickly; the Sturgeon River 300 feet below is visible but sounds faint.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: Descent and gorge floor. The trail descends steeply on a well-maintained switchback section into the gorge. As elevation drops, the forest transitions: the hardwoods give way to eastern hemlock and northern white cedar as the temperature cools noticeably. The gorge floor is hemlock-dominated and ancient: large trees, deeply shaded, with a soft duff floor and very little understory. River otter are seen here regularly.

Miles 3.0 to 5.0: River corridor. The trail follows the Sturgeon River upstream through the gorge bottom. The basalt walls are impressive from below, rising steeply on both sides. Bald eagles are common along this stretch. Fishing for brook trout in the pools is excellent.

Miles 5.0 to 6.5: Gorge climb and return. The trail climbs back out of the gorge via a different route, rejoining the rim trail for the return to the trailhead.

When to Hike

June through September is the primary season. The gorge stays noticeably cooler than the upland even on hot summer days. Fall color in October brings added beauty to the rim sections.

Avoid wet conditions when the descent trail becomes slippery on the steep sections.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; river water is nearby but requires treatment. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the gorge descent and ascent. Layers for the gorge bottom, which is significantly cooler than the rim.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 2200 from US-41, south of L'Anse in the eastern Ottawa. About 1.5 hours from Ironwood. Cell service absent.

Nearby

The Sylvania Wilderness Loop is the other signature wilderness hike in Ottawa, in the western part of the forest. See the Ottawa National Forest guide for the full picture of the forest's wilderness areas. Review our bear canister guide for overnight trips in this bear-active wilderness. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness trailhead on Forest Road 2200, off US-41 south of L'Anse. Gravel road, passable with 2WD. Small lot for 10-12 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Ottawa National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Sturgeon River Gorge?
The Sturgeon River Gorge is Michigan's deepest river gorge, reaching approximately 300 feet in depth at its maximum. The gorge was carved by the Sturgeon River into the ancient basaltic and sedimentary bedrock following glacial retreat. The depth creates a dramatic micro-climate in the gorge bottom where old-growth eastern hemlock thrives in the cool, moist conditions sheltered from wind and fire.
Is the Sturgeon River Gorge Trail appropriate for beginners?
The Sturgeon River Gorge loop is rated moderate-hard and involves 900 feet of gain including steep sections descending into and climbing out of the gorge. It is not appropriate for inexperienced hikers or young children. The trail is well-maintained in the wilderness area but the terrain is rugged. Good footwear and trekking poles are strongly recommended. The gorge descent and ascent are the most demanding sections.
Are there bears in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness?
Yes. Black bears are present throughout the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness and are regularly seen along the river corridor. The USFS recommends making noise on the trail to avoid surprising bears, storing food properly at camp, and not approaching or feeding bears. See our bear canister guide for food storage recommendations for overnight trips in bear-active areas.