The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit
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Family friendly hiking trails in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit traverse a diverse landscape characterized by extensive Lake Superior shoreline, mixed forests of pine, spruce, cedar, and birch, and various wetlands. The topography ranges from relatively flat to gently rolling, with some bluffs offering elevated views. This region provides accessible paths suitable for families, allowing exploration of its natural features and wildlife.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Attikamek Trail, an easy 1.3 miles (2.0 km) trail that takes about 31 minutes to complete. This path winds through mixed forests, offering a tranquil experience for all ages.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Sault Ste. Marie, an easy 2.5 miles (4.0 km) path. This route provides views of the St. Mary's River and historic lock gates, ideal for a family outing.
- Local hikers also love the Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop from Sault Ste. Marie, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail leading through urban green spaces and along the waterfront, often completed in about 1 hour 14 minutes.
- Hiking in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit is defined by its Lake Superior shoreline, mixed forests, and inland lakes. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy and moderate family friendly hiking trails.
- The routes in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 8 reviews. More than 37 hikers have used komoot to explore Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
18.1km
04:33
30m
30m
The Soo/Strong Trail offers a unique hiking experience along an abandoned Soo Line railroad corridor, providing a mostly flat journey through remote and peaceful landscapes. You'll wander through dense forests, open meadows, and past tranquil streams, with the terrain shifting between dirt, ballast, and sand, sometimes deep and loose. This 11.2-mile (18.1 km) route, with its minimal 86 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, is a moderate hike that feels more like a long, easy stroll, taking about 4 hours and 33 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available at both ends of the broader 32-mile trail in Eckerman and on Foss Street in Sault Ste. Marie. Keep in mind that the trail is multi-use, so you might encounter mountain bikers, snowshoers, or even snowmobilers depending on the season. Be aware there's a gap in the trail between Beaune Road at W. Irish Line Road and S. Deland Street near Brimley State Park, so plan your specific hiking segments accordingly.
What makes the Soo/Strong Trail particularly interesting is its historical origin as an old railway line, with remnants still visible along the way. This versatile path accommodates a wide range of activities beyond hiking, including trail running, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its gentle profile and remote setting make it a great option for those seeking a long, unchallenging day out in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
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2.05km
00:31
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
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12
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.01km
01:01
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit
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Tips from the Community
Whitefish Island is the upstream island at the rapids in the St. Marys River on the Canadian side. It was declared a nature reserve, the Whitefish Island Reserve, in 1981. https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=510 Today, the island is located in the territory of the Batchewana First Nation. The indigenous population was driven from their land in 1905, and the island was only officially returned to them in 1998. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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On wooden boardwalks and small bridges, the Baawaating Walk, we can circle Whitefish Island. Here we have the best view of the rapids in the river and can watch anglers as they try to catch Whitefish. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge has a total length of 4.5 kilometers; it was opened in 1962. Like the railway bridge from 1887, it crosses the St. Marys River and the ship locks, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal in Canada and the Soo Locks in the United States. Generally, pedestrians cannot use the bridge; however, the International Bridge Walk takes place annually and the bridge is temporarily closed to vehicle traffic - usually at the end of June. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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In the 1870s, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company built a railway line, the so-called Soo Line, from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie. With the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge over the St. Marys River to Michigan in 1887, a single-track railway connection across the border to Michigan in the United States was established; in the USA, the Soo Line runs to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the past, the railway line was used, among other things, for passenger transport from Chicago to Vancouver, and from Minneapolis to Montreal. For decades, the tracks in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, have been mainly used for freight transport, but also by the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. (Visited on May 27, 2026) https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=truss/internationalrail/ https://ontariorailwaystations.wordpress.com/home/district-of-algoma/sault-ste-marie-railway-stations/
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The Emergency Swing Dam was built in 1896 at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. It serves for emergencies, in case a lock gate is damaged and the water outflow can no longer be stopped. The steel structure is then swung over the canal and lowered. In an accident in 1909, it was successfully used and enabled an immediate and rapid repair of a damaged lock gate. The Emergency Swing Dam in Sault Ste. Marie is functional and the last of its kind globally; it is part of the national historic site. (Visit on May 27, 2026) Sources: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/ingenierie-engineering https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sault_Canal_Emergency_Swing_Dam
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The construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal began in 1889 and was completed in 1895. The canal was carved out of the Red Sandstone, the bedrock of St. Marys Island. The material was used for, among other things, the construction of buildings on the site. The buildings are beautiful examples of Canada's late 1800s architectural heritage. (Visited May 27, 2026) https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/architecture
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Due to damage, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was decommissioned in 1987. Only in 1998 was the lock reopened, but with a length of only 77 meters instead of the original 274 meters. The lock is now open from mid-May to mid-October for recreational activities. (Visit on May 27, 2026) https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie/culture/histoire-history
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On the Canadian side, two islands lie in the river, St. Marys Island and Whitefish Island. The islands were an important meeting place for the Anishinaabe First Nation for fishing and trade between Lake Huron and Lake Superior until colonization by Europeans and were called Baawaating, place of the rapids. To make the St. Marys River navigable for trade, especially with furs, a huge canal was built through St. Marys Island at the end of the 19th century; it was the longest lock in the world at the time. There is a height difference of approx. 7 meters between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. (Visit on May 27, 2026)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit?
Our guide features 6 family-friendly hiking trails in the Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit. These routes are specifically chosen for their manageable distances and gentle paths, making them suitable for all ages.
Are there easy trails suitable for beginners or young children?
Yes, our selection includes 4 easy trails perfect for beginners or families with young children. For example, the Attikamek Trail is a gentle option, and the Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Sault Ste. Marie offers a pleasant walk with minimal elevation.
What kind of terrain can we expect on these family-friendly hikes?
The family-friendly trails in this region generally feature relatively flat to gently rolling terrain. You'll find paths winding through mixed forests of pine, spruce, cedar, and birch, with some sections offering views of wetlands or inland lakes. The Lake Superior shoreline also provides sandy stretches reminiscent of an ocean beach.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, several routes offer a loop experience. The Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Sault Ste. Marie and the Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop from Sault Ste. Marie are both excellent circular options for families, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can we see while hiking?
While hiking in the Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit, you can explore natural features like the vast Lake Superior shoreline and various inland lakes. Nearby attractions include the historic Crisp Point Beach and Lighthouse, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and the Big Pine Picnic Area, which is a great spot for watching freighters. The Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop from Sault Ste. Marie specifically passes by the Spirits Rising Monument.
Is the Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit suitable for stroller-friendly walks?
While specific stroller-friendly trails are not explicitly highlighted in our guide, many of the easy, relatively flat paths, especially those near Sault Ste. Marie like the 2-mile Ashman Creek Nature Trail, may be suitable for sturdy strollers. We recommend checking the trail surface and conditions before heading out.
What is the best time of year to visit for family hiking?
The best time for family hiking is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trails are typically clear. Fall offers spectacular foliage, while summer provides warmer temperatures for enjoying the Lake Superior shoreline. Winter hiking is possible, but requires appropriate gear for snow and ice.
Can we expect to see any wildlife on the trails?
The diverse habitats of the Lake Superior State Forest support a rich array of wildlife. Hikers often spot deer, rabbits, and various bird species. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of moose, elk, or grouse. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times for wildlife viewing.
Are there any longer, more challenging family-friendly routes for older children?
For families seeking a bit more adventure, the Soo/Strong Trail offers a moderate 18 km (11.2 mi) experience. While longer, its elevation gain is minimal, making it a good option for older children or more active families looking for an extended outing.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family hiking in this area?
The komoot community rates hiking in the Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit highly, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful forest settings, the beauty of the Lake Superior shoreline, and the accessibility of trails for various skill levels, making it a great destination for family outings.
Are there opportunities for camping near the family-friendly trails?
Yes, rustic camping is available at the Lake Superior State Forest Campground, which is situated directly on Lake Superior's shoreline. Blind Sucker No. 1 State Forest Campground and Muskallonge Lake State Park also offer additional camping facilities nearby, providing convenient bases for exploring the trails.
Most popular routes in Lake Superior State Forest - Sault Ste. Marie Unit
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