🌲 Wander Wisely:
If your soul craves fresh air, wide skies, and winding trails, then Seney National Wildlife Refuge might just be your new favorite escape. With over 12 miles of trails meandering through forests, wetlands, and alongside tranquil pools, this hidden gem in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is perfect for hikers, nature lovers, photographers—and anyone ready to trade screens for scenery. Whether you’re snowshoeing in winter or listening to songbirds in spring, Seney offers a peaceful place to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Trail Highlights
👉 Manistique River Run Trail
A scenic 2.3-mile loop that hugs Gray’s Creek and the Manistique River. With wildflowers in spring, fungi in fall, and otter tracks in winter, it’s a year-round favorite for hiking and skiing. Moderate terrain adds a bit of adventure without being too challenging. Leashed dogs welcome!
👉 Tip-of-the-Point Trail
Short but stunning, this 0.25-mile boardwalk takes you through stunted jack pines and rare dune habitats to Lake Superior’s shoreline. Great for birdwatching—especially during migration—and fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed pups.
👉 Pine Ridge Nature Trail
This easy 1.4-mile loop wraps around Upper F Pool with great wildlife viewing from a wheelchair-accessible observation deck. Keep an eye out for beavers, swans, and loons—and don’t forget your bug spray in spring!
👉 Show Pools Connector Trail
Just 0.4 miles long, this trail connects you to the historic CCC-built Show Pool Shelter. A section is currently closed, so take the South Show Pool Trail detour (adds a mile). The stone steps and wetland views are worth the extra steps.
👉 South Show Pool Trail
An easy 1-mile loop around one of the refuge’s historic pools, with Civilian Conservation Corps waterworks to admire along the way.
👉 Bear Hollow Loop Trail
Hike or ski this 1.1-mile hardwood loop through seasonal wildflowers, colorful fungi, and hemlock stands. Slight hills make it a fun challenge in winter. Watch for pileated woodpeckers in summer!
👉 Cub Hollow Trail
Branching off Bear Hollow, this 0.5-mile stretch adds extra woodland charm with spring wildflowers and slime molds that look straight out of a sci-fi film. Moderate and magical.
👉 Smith Farm Trail
An easy 0.7-mile walk along an old service road that skirts the historic Smith Farm. Once farmland, now a slowly rewilding forest full of natural wonders.
👉 Skunk Ridge Trail
Don’t let the name fool you—this 1.2-mile point-to-point trail offers lovely ridge views, breezy relief from summer bugs, and great mushroom hunting in fall.
👉 Otter Run Trail
Running 1.8 miles alongside A Pool, this easygoing route is a top spot for otter sightings, migrating waterfowl, and peaceful forest moments. Ideal for biking too!
👉 Goose Pen Bend Trail
A loop just under a mile, this trail wraps around Upper Goose Pen Pool and its outlet. Warblers, otters, and dreamy morning mist make this a birder’s delight.
👉 Lower Goose Pen Trail
A 1.92-mile trail running past meadows and the Lower Goose Pen Pool. You’ll find bluebirds, chickadees, and beautiful views. Biking allowed on parts of the route.
Before You Go:
- All trails are open year-round for daylight use.
- Leashed dogs are welcome (except when ski trails are groomed in winter).
- Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter options.
- Trail etiquette: Don’t trample ski tracks or disturb wildlife.
- Foraging for wild edibles is permitted.
Refuge Rules: Know before you go →
Whether you’re after quiet solitude, colorful mushrooms, otter sightings, or a burst of wildflowers underfoot, the trails at Seney National Wildlife Refuge offer something magical in every season. So grab your boots (and maybe the bug spray), and let the sounds of nature guide your steps. Adventure awaits—one trail at a time.
