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Recreation Region: Ontonagon Ranger District

Trap Hills

The Trap Hills area of the Ottawa National Forest offers scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, rare plants, a fascinating history and a wide array of recreation opportunities. Comprised of large tracts of undisturbed forest, rugged slopes and ridges, streams, waterfalls and ponds, the Trap Hills area offers solitude and sense of remoteness that is unique in the Great Lakes area. This area is home to a wide range of rare and endangered species, including Eastern Timber Wolf, Peregrine Falcon, Fairy Bells, and Braun's Holly Fern. It's this picturesque backdrop that makes Trap Hills one of the best choices for backpacking in the upper Mid-west.

General Information

Dispersed Camping

The Trap Hills area of the Ottawa National Forest offers scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, rare plants, a fascinating history and a wide array of recreation opportunities. Comprised of large tracts of undisturbed forest, rugged slopes and ridges, streams, waterfalls and ponds, the Trap Hills area offers solitude and sense of remoteness that is unique in the Great Lakes area. This area is home to a wide range of rare and endangered species, including Eastern Timber Wolf, Peregrine Falcon, Fairy Bells, and Braun's Holly Fern. It's this picturesque backdrop that makes Trap Hills one of the best choices for backpacking in the upper Mid-west. The Ottawa National Forest enforces a 16-day limit on camping sites. After 16 days, you must move to a new camping spot

Status: Open

Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

January - December

Day Use

Much of Trap Hills is located in a non-motorized area. Other than collector roads used to access the trails, motorized vehicles, including Off Highway Vehicles (OHV's) and motorcycles, are not allowed on trails.

No fees are required for this site

No fees required at this site.

Offices: Ontonagon Ranger Station

Address: 1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953
Phone: 906-884-2085
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays only, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (ET) (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.658854

Longitude: -89.446034

Directions

Located North of Bergland Michigan. Take M64 North out of Bergland 2 miles and turn right on Old M64. This will put you into the Trap Hills

Closest Towns: Bergland, MI is 3 miles to the south.

Facility and Amenity Information

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes Info

Hacking Site Trail is a 1-mile trail with its scenic views across Lake Gogebic is named for the "hack site" referring to the release of Peregrine Falcon chicks on a nearby ledge. The path opens into a broad opening on top of a cliff, with impressive views. The trailhead is FR 326.

Fire Information: None

Status: Open

Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate

Backpacking Info

The North Country Trail travels east-west through Trap Hills.  This rugged terrain is demanding but rewarding once you view the area and all that it has to offer. 

Status: Open

Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Last updated March 26, 2026