Michigan · Hiking

South Gate

10.7 mi
round trip
644 ft
climb
1,821 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is South Gate open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ottawa National Forest. It doesn't name South Gate, 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.

South Gate is a 10.7-mile out-and-back hike in the Watersmeet Ranger District of Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, with a high point of 1,821 feet and a low of 1,711 feet. The trail is rated hard, and the steepest stretch comes at about 4.4 miles, where the grade reaches 15 percent. The trail is natural-surface and not accessible. Bikes and horses are not allowed. The trailhead is South Gate Trailhead, and the route is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 78°F and lows near 54°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. The Land O' Lakes Ski Trail lies less than a mile away, and Cub Lake is about 2.3 miles off. Across the state line, the Wisconsin River offers canoeing about 4.5 miles away, and Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping is roughly 6.6 miles from the trail.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit South Gate

    Best months: May–September. 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

      21° / 2°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      26° / 3°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      37° / 13°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      50° / 26°

      10 wet

    5. May

      65° / 39°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 50°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 54°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      75° / 52°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 44°

      12 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 33°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 21°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      26° / 10°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Eagle Rvr, WI, 17.3 mi away at 1,623 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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