St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail

The St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail is located almost entirely within the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The follows an abandoned rail corridor from the town of St. Ignace north to the community of Trout Lake. The trail passes among woodlands, wetlands and open green spaces along a corridor that is remote in many places.

The trail is popular with snowmobilers, though hikers and mountain bikers also use it. The trail also passes through the small community of Moran, where you'll find a gas station and groceries. For more information, contact the Hiawatha National Forest at 906-786-4062.

Parking and Trail Access

In St. Ignace park at the Little Bear East Arena on Marquette Street. In Trout Lake the trailhead is located off State Route 123, about 0.5 mile from the railroad crossing.

Awesome Fall Ride

January 2025 martinaxe

I happened to grow up within earshot of trains that used to travel this route as part of the Soo Line, and had wanted to return as a retiree to bike what is now a recreational trail. Its primary use is for motorized vehicles, but I happened to ride the segment from St. Ignace to Allenville during a weekday in October and only ran into a couple of dudes trapping beaver. I took this trail north, then returned on the Castle Rock Road, which made for a really nice ride. There is a lot to see if you like a variety of landscapes. I even saw a pair of Trumpeter Swans on Hay Lake.

I used my Trek Fuel EX MTB for this ride, but only because I planned on also riding Valley Spur near Munising on this trip. I could have easily used either my Salsa Fargo (29x2.2") or All-City Mach King (700x38c), but I'd probably not do it with anything less than 38c tires.

Trail good for orv's Pot holes and rough gravel.Turned around after a mile out.

July 2024 jerryvanveelen

Trail good for orv's Pot holes and rough gravel.Turned around after a mile out.

the trail is rough well suited for Mt bikes with front suspension minimum. It is remote and crosses forest service roads. A very scenic ride. Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are none available along the trail.

June 2019 biking mi

the trail is rough well suited for Mt bikes with front suspension minimum. It is remote and crosses forest service roads. A very scenic ride. Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are none available along the trail.

May 2018 davebailey1

Anybody riding a mountain bike on the trail be careful it’s open to motorized vehicles motorcycles so be careful not too fun eating all their dust!!!!!