Michigan · Hiking

Wakeley Lake Main Loop

7.2 mi
loop
655 ft
climb
1,173 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is WAKELEY LAKE MAIN LOOP open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Huron-Manistee National Forest.

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

Wakeley Lake Main Loop is a 7.2-mile loop hike in Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forest, within the Mio Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is Wakeley Lake Ski/Hike/Bike Trailhead, about 2.5 hours from start to finish on a moderate route. The loop has a steady climb of about 655 feet, with the steepest stretch at roughly 0.5 miles in from the start. The high point is 1,173 feet, and the total descent matches the total gain. The route is a loop, so there is no start and finish point to return from. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Grayling weather station run from highs around 77°F in June to about 80°F in July, with lows in the mid-50s. Winters are cold, with January highs near 26°F. The Wakeley Lake East Loop is just 0.3 miles away, and the Wakeley Lake North Loop and Wakeley Lake West Loop are within about a mile and a half. For an overnight stay, Kneff Lake Campground is about 3.4 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit WAKELEY LAKE MAIN LOOP

    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

      26° / 10°

      18 wet

    2. Feb

      29° / 9°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      39° / 16°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      53° / 29°

      12 wet

    5. May

      67° / 41°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 51°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 55°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 53°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 45°

      14 wet

    10. Oct

      57° / 35°

      17 wet

    11. Nov

      43° / 26°

      16 wet

    12. Dec

      32° / 18°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Grayling, MI, 9.4 mi away at 1,137 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.