Tucked into the wild folds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies Nahma Township, a gem for those who crave off-the-beaten-path adventure, boundless nature, and a little slice of Upper Midwest history. Situated in Delta County, this lightly populated township is framed by the expansive Hiawatha National Forest and the storied waters of Big Bay de Noc— and it’s ready to shine for adventurers who are willing to slow down, look up and dig in.
In this article we’ll map out all the fun stuff you can do in Nahma—from hiking the boardwalk through marshes to cruising snowmobile trails in winter, plus a hearty dose of rivers, lakes, nearby spots and local flavor. The history is fascinating too (logging town, big sawmill days) but we’ll keep it in the background so you’re free to plan your next great outdoor getaway.
Why Visit Nahma?
Nahma’s appeal lies in its vastness, its variety and its low key vibe. The township covers roughly 166 square miles of land and more than 22 square miles of water. More than 68 % of its land is part of the Hiawatha National Forest—meaning public access galore for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, hunting, or simply roaming. And then there’s the water: roughly 14 miles of Big Bay de Noc shoreline, around 30 named inland lakes covering 2,177 acres, another 35 unnamed lakes over 114 acres, and 157 miles of streams.
What does that mean in practical terms? It means you can mix and match experiences—fly-over forest roads, kayak in a quiet lake, tee off at a golf course with Lake Michigan views, snowmobile in winter…all in one region.
Outdoor Activities for All Seasons
Hiking & Trails
Start your engines—or hiking boots—with the easy and scenic Nahma Marsh Trail: a short, accessible boardwalk trail that’s ideal for a light nature walk, bird-watching, or introducing younger kids to the woods. The boardwalk offers views of marshland and wetlands, giving a gentle but very scenic nature experience.
From there, expand outward into the forest roads and trails of Hiawatha National Forest. Whether you’re doing a day hike or an extended back-country ramble, the forest roads (over 230 miles in the township alone) give you a ton of options.
Golfing with a View
Yes—you read that right. The quaint 9-hole Nahma Golf Course was built in 1922, spans about 2,812 yards with a par of 36, and boasts beautiful views of Big Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan. A great choice if you want a break from rugged nature and still stay in the outdoors.
Water Activities: Kayaks, Canoes, Boats
Whether your watercraft is a kayak, canoe or motorboat, Nahma has you covered. The public boat ramp on Big Bay de Noc offers access to some of the best freshwater experiences in the area. Paddle the shoreline, fish off the piers, explore quiet inland lakes or take a gentle float down a stream.
This is also a superb place to bring younger paddlers—protected waters, fewer boaters than many “big destination” lakes and tons of shoreline to explore.
Winter, Snow & Sleds
For the snow lovers among us: when the white stuff falls (and in the UP, it falls plenty) Nahma transforms into a winter playground. The Nahma Grade Snowmobile Trail (Trail #411) is approximately 20.4 miles of groomed trail, which connects you to longer trail systems within Hiawatha. Snowmobiling, dogsled rides (December through April), cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all well supported.
Nearby “Must-See” Spots
When your boots need a break from the forest and you’re hankering for a little local color, check out these nearby treasures.
Fayette Historic State Park
Just a short drive from Nahma, Fayette State Park is a preserved 19th-century industrial town along the shore of Lake Michigan is spectacular. Walk the ghost-town streets, climb the ore-dock overlook, and feel like you’ve stepped back a century. It’s perfect for mixing history with shoreline adventure.
Kitch‑iti‑kipi (also known as The Big Spring)
Located in nearby Palms Book State Park, this is Michigan’s largest natural spring, with crystal-clear water and moss-covered trees beneath the surface. Ride the self-operated raft and drift above the amazing underwater scenery. A short detour that delivers big “wow” factor.
Indian Lake State Park
About 17 miles away, Indian Lake offers boating, fishing, swimming and camping in a forest-lake setting. Great for multi-day trips or family stays.
Peninsula Point Lighthouse
Head out toward the Garden Peninsula for this historic lighthouse which sits on the tip of Lake Michigan. It offers stunning views, especially as the light shifts in the evening.
Historic General Store
The iconic Nahma Inn & General Store has lodged, entertained and fed visitors for decades. Featured on the TV show American Pickers, it’s a neat blend of old-school charm and relaxed social vibe.
A Bit of History (Just Enough!)
Originally logged and saw-milled heavily, Nahma’s story is rooted in industry. The Bay de Noquet Lumber Company established a major sawmill operation in 1881 in the township, which at its peak employed over 1,200 people. After the timber was largely harvested, in 1951 the entire town was put up for sale—featured in Life magazine—symbolizing the end of the lumber era.
One of the remnants of that era was the enormous waste burner built to handle sawmill debris. Though the physical structure collapsed in 2019, it remains part of the story and part of what makes visiting Nahma feel layered and real.
Today, the forest has regenerated, and most of the land is public forest or shoreline—so your day-tripping or longer stays tap into both contemporary nature and historical texture.
Practical Info & Travel Tips
Getting there
Nahma Township is about 21 miles west of Manistique and roughly 25 miles east of Escanaba on its western border. Its northern boundary lies about 20 miles from Lake Superior; its southern side abuts Big Bay de Noc.
Where to stay
Options range from cabins and lodges to dispersed camping in the Hiawatha National Forest. The Nahma Inn & General Store offers lodging and local flavor.
When to go
Summer (late May through September): Great for hiking, kayaking, boating, exploring.
Fall (September-October): Stunning foliage, fewer crowds, but check access roads.
Winter (December-March/April): Snowmobiling, dogsled rides, cross-country skiing; ensure you’re geared for cold and snow.
Essentials to pack
Bug spray (especially late spring/early summer)
Layers (weather can shift rapidly, even by the bay)
Trail/forest map (230+ miles of forest roads in the township alone).
Water gear (kayak, canoe, or just swim trunks)
Snow-adventure gear if venturing in winter
Respect the land
Many of the roads and trails pass through wilderness and working forest. Stay aware of seasonal closures, hunting seasons and trail conditions.
Local events
The community hosts an annual Labor Day celebration in the township park.
Why This Is a Perfect Adventure Fit
If you’re planning a quiet escape, or just craving a true outdoor weekend, Nahma offers the layered blend of wilderness + good infrastructure + character that many trips aim for but few deliver. You’ll hit trails, water and forest in one slice of the U.P. You’ll get to see logging-town heritage, wander around a historic general store, then launch a kayak at sunset into a quiet bay. The contrast—between hustle of everyday life and the serene expanse of forest/lake—is sharp and wonderful.
And because it’s off the major tourist highways, you’re more likely to have the sky, the shoreline or the trail to yourself. That kind of relaxed “in the woods but comfortable” vibe is gold.
Nahma Township may not show up in the brochures as often as Mackinac Island or the more-traveled parks, but for savvy outdoor lovers, it’s a treasure. It blends top-tier nature access with genuine sense of place. Nahma provides just enough civilization (lodging, eatery, general store) so you’re comfortable but still immersed.
Whether you’re paddling quietly across Big Bay de Noc at dawn, snowmachining through jack pine and sand flats in winter, or simply settling down on a greenside overlooking Lake Michigan, Nahma gives you moments. And often, those moments linger.
So next time you’re dreaming of a northern Michigan adventure that feels a little richer, maybe a little quieter, but full of wild possibility—put Nahma on your map. Your boots, paddle, sled or golf clubs will thank you.
Happy exploring out there—see you under the big U.P. sky! 🌲🏞️
