Swamp Line Trail, MI

The Swamp Line Trail in Wilderness State Park, Michigan, takes you through some of the park’s most unique landscapes. This trail is about 1.9 miles long and offers a mix of forest scenery and wetland views.


The trail starts at the Swamp Line Trailhead and quickly immerses you in the park’s dense woods. You’ll walk through a variety of trees, including towering White Pines and hardwoods, and see the lush greenery of the forest floor. As you hike, you’ll cross over small streams and through marshy areas, which give the trail its name. The terrain can be uneven and muddy, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge.The Swamp Line Trail has an interesting history. The area was once used by Native American tribes for hunting(elk, bear, moose, rabbits, ducks, etc) and gathering(berries, nuts, roots, seeds, etc). The wetlands were important for providing food and resources. Later, European settlers also used the land for farming(wheat, corn, potatoes, turnips, etc) and logging. The trail gives you a glimpse into the natural history of the area and how it has changed over time.

This hike gives you access to the Sturgeon Bay Trail (This trail's termination point), Lindsey Trail, and also is a section of the North Country Trail.

2024-08-26 The_Eagle