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Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. When the leaves of the hardwoods change color in the fall, they form a vivid tapestry. There are few established trails in Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, and the few overgrown logging roads are hard to find and follow. The North Country National Scenic Trail parallels the northern and eastern boundaries for about eight miles. Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary. In spring and during peak runoff, kayaking and white water canoeing are challenging, and only recommended for advanced paddlers.
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Map
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping,Camping trailer,Toilets,Parking |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Best Season: | May-October |
| Restrictions: | No motorized vehicles of any kind are authorized within the Wilderness boundaries. |
| Closest Towns: | Sidnaw, Mi is 3 miles to the south. |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | None |
General Information
Directions:From Sidnaw, Mi., travel east on M 28 approximately ¼ mile to FR 2200, turn left onto FR 2200. There are several locations you are able to enter into the Wilderness, it is recommended that you use the campground or approved trailhead. To access the campground travel north on FR 2200 approximately 5 miles. To access the southern most trailhead travel north on FR 2200 approximately 3 miles to FR 2224, the trailhead is on the right on FR 2224.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:The Sturgeon River Campground is located adjacent to the Wilderness on the Sturgeon River. This 7 site campground is a dispersed campground and no services are provided. This is an excellent location for those that want to get out an explore the wilderness and surrounding area.
| No. of Sites | 7 |
| Reservation Info | None |
| No. of Accessible sites | 0 |
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | January-December |
| Best Season: | June-August |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Difficult |
Dispersed Camping
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. If its solitude and pristine beauty you want combined with a challenge, you may want to camp in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. The Wilderness is managed to protect and maintain resources in natural states. They are not managed solely for recreational use by people. Few amenities are provided in the Wilderness, and users have a special responsibility to leave wilderness in a natural state. Campers should be prepared to pack in their water supply and pack out their trash. No waste disposal facilities or safe drinking water are available in these areas. Fires are permitted, but use of camp stoves is recommended for remote area camping. Low impact camping techniques that leave an area undisturbed after your passing are recommended. 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 |
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:
There are several trails located within the boundries of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness that will allow you to explore deep into the Wilderness. To view a map of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness click here.
| Fire Information | None |
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | January-December |
| Best Season: | June-September |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:
There are few established trails in Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness and the few old logging roads are overgrown and hard to follow. However, you can still enjoy the area while backpacking. The North Country Trail borders the wilderness on the north and east for about 8 miles. There are also several shorter trails that will allow you to enter into the wilderness and explore.
There are several trails that traverse the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. Click here to view a Map of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness.
General Info:
Seasonal InformationThe Wilderness and trails are open year round, however snowfall can make travel very dificult. Please plan appropriately.
| Fire Information | No fires permitted |
Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. When the leaves of the hardwoods change color in the fall, they form a vivid tapestry. There are few established trails in Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, and the few overgrown logging roads are hard to find and follow. The North Country National Scenic Trail parallels the northern and eastern boundaries for about eight miles. Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary. In spring and during peak runoff, kayaking and white water canoeing are challenging, and only recommended for advanced paddlers.
| Special Feature | Viewing the Gorge in the fall provides a wounderful view of the fall colors of the Western UP. |
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Tent camping: | |
| Parking: | |
| Toilets: |
Location
