Michigan · Hiking

Aspen Trail

1.5 mi
loop
36 ft
climb
617 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Oct
best months

Aspen Trail is a short, easy hike in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The route is about 1.5 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 36 feet and a loss of 112 feet, so it's a gentle walk that can be done in about half an hour. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows bikes, which makes it a good option for riders as well as hikers. The climb is mild, with the steepest stretch at about 0.46 miles in, where the grade reaches 5 percent. The trail starts near 611 feet and peaks at 617 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Pickford run to highs around 80°F in July, while winter highs stay in the 20s. The trail is open from about May 15 to October 15. Government Island campground and the Marigold Trail are both about 0.4 miles away.