Michigan · Hiking

Pine Bluff

1.6 mi
round trip
175 ft
climb
1,250 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Pine Bluff open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ottawa National Forest. It doesn't name Pine Bluff, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Ottawa National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Pine Bluff is a short, out-and-back hike in the Kenton Ranger District of Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, about 5.7 miles from the town of Watton. The trail is rated hard, and it covers about 1.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 23 feet, so it's a short walk rather than a long climb. The trail is natural-surface and not accessible. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The steepest part comes at about 0.48 miles in, with a 5% grade. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Watton show July highs around 76°F with lows near 53°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. Nearby options include Copper Country State Forest about 2.5 miles away and Sturgeon Falls at 2.8 miles. Sturgeon River Campground is about 3.1 miles off, and the Main Wall climbing area is roughly 5.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Pine Bluff

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      22° / 6°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      25° / 7°

      15 wet

    3. Mar

      37° / 14°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 27°

      13 wet

    5. May

      64° / 39°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      72° / 49°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      76° / 53°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 52°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 45°

      14 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 34°

      16 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 24°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 13°

      19 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Watton 2wsw, MI, 6.1 mi away at 1,394 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.