Swamp Line, Sturgeon Bay and Waugoshance Point Loop

Parking is available within Wilderness State Park, which encompasses this loop. While specific trailhead parking for this combined route isn't detailed, you can typically find parking areas near the main access points for the Swamp Line Trail or Sturgeon Bay Trail within the park.

While individual sections like the Swamp Line Trail and Waugoshance Point are considered easy with minimal elevation change, the full loop is nearly 18.5 km (11.5 miles) long. Its length and some remote sections, along with potential wet areas from beaver activity, contribute to its moderate difficulty rating. Hikers should be prepared for the distance.

The route offers diverse terrain. You'll hike through cedar and aspen forests with views of beaver ponds on the Swamp Line Trail, mixed forests, wetlands, and dune swales along the Sturgeon Bay Trail, and finally, sandy, rocky, and gravel beaches at Waugoshance Point. Be prepared for potentially wet areas, especially along the Sturgeon Bay Trail, due to beaver activity.

This area is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for various songbirds, waterfowl, and bald eagles, particularly around Sturgeon Bay and Waugoshance Point. Deer and beaver are also commonly sighted. Waugoshance Point is an important habitat for the endangered piping plover.

The loop is beautiful year-round, but summer is particularly scenic, with an array of lakeshore wildflowers blooming at Waugoshance Point. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer insects. Be aware that winter hiking might present snow and ice conditions.

Dogs are generally welcome in Wilderness State Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Always ensure you clean up after your pet to help preserve the natural environment.

Yes, Wilderness State Park requires a Recreation Passport for vehicle entry. This can be purchased at the park entrance or when renewing your license plate tabs. There are no special permits required for hiking the trails themselves, but backcountry camping would require a separate permit.

Yes, this comprehensive loop incorporates sections of several established trails. You will hike along portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail (MI), the Sturgeon Bay Trail, and Swamp Line Road, connecting these segments to form the full loop.

Waugoshance Point is a remote and beautiful peninsula extending into Lake Michigan, marking the western end of the Straits of Mackinac. It features diverse sandy and rock/gravel beaches, unique lakeshore wildflowers in summer, and is a haven for waterfowl, including the endangered piping plover. It's known for its secluded feel and historical association with remote lighthouses.

The Sturgeon Bay Trail section can be quite wet due to beaver activity, so wearing waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Given the length and remoteness of some sections, especially along Sturgeon Bay and Waugoshance Point, carrying ample water and snacks is crucial, as amenities are not available directly on the trail.

While the Sturgeon Bay Trail runs parallel to the Sturgeon Bay shoreline, dense forests often obscure direct, expansive views of the bay itself. However, this section offers beautiful scenery through mixed forests, forested dune swale complexes, wetlands, and marshes, providing a sense of solitude and immersion in nature.