The best walks and hikes around Sault Ste. Marie

There are over 15 hiking trails around Sault Ste. Marie, offering a variety of experiences. The majority, 14 routes, are rated as easy, with 3 routes considered moderate, ensuring options for different skill levels.

Hiking around Sault Ste. Marie features diverse terrain, including dense forests, rocky highlands, and pristine lakeshores. You'll find trails winding through northern boreal forests, wetlands, and along ancient ridges, often with rocky lookouts and waterfalls, particularly in areas like the Hiawatha Highlands.

Yes, Sault Ste. Marie offers several family-friendly hiking options. Trails like the Round Island Point Nature Preserve Trail and Attikamek Trail are easy and relatively short, perfect for outings with children. The Hub Trail, a 22.5 km non-motorized trail, also provides accessible sections within the city, including an easy walk into Fort Creek Conservation Area.

For scenic views and waterfalls, the Hiawatha Highlands is a prime destination, featuring a network of trails with gorgeous rocky lookouts and glorious waterfalls along Crystal Creek. The Voyageur Trail around Kinsmen Park also offers picturesque routes with rocky lookouts and waterfalls within city limits. Additionally, the Trap Rock Trail provides incredible views of the St. Marys River, Squirrel Island, and Lake George.

Yes, you can find circular routes around Sault Ste. Marie. An example is the Algonquin Cross-Country Ski Trail Loop A, which winds through forested areas. The Algonquin Trail just outside of town also offers a series of loops, including a main 1.6-mile loop.

While hiking, you can explore various natural and historical landmarks. The Hub Trail connects to historic districts and natural areas within the city, including Fort Creek Conservation Area with its high bridges. The Spirits Rising Monument – St. Mary's Island loop offers a route around a significant local monument. For a broader experience, parts of the North Country Trail lead towards attractions like Tahquamenon Falls State Park, known for its majestic waterfalls.

The hiking trails around Sault Ste. Marie are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil nature preserves to trails with rocky lookouts and river views, and the variety of options for different ability levels.

For a longer hiking option, the Soo/Strong Trail is a moderate 11.2-mile (18.1 km) route that takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete, leading through varied terrain. While there are no routes rated as difficult, this trail provides a more extended and engaging experience.

Yes, Sault Ste. Marie offers opportunities for winter hiking. Trails like the Algonquin Trail, with its main 1.6-mile loop, are lit at night and suitable for winter activities. The Ashmun Creek Trail in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is also accessible year-round and serves as a snowmobile trail in winter, indicating its suitability for cold-weather use.

Yes, guided hiking experiences are available. Outfitters like Forest the Canoe offer guided interpretive hikes, providing insights into the local environment. Additionally, Thrive Tours, an Indigenous-owned eco-cultural tour company, provides guided hiking tours that incorporate Indigenous teachings and traditions, offering a unique cultural perspective.

Sault Ste. Marie offers exceptional hiking throughout all seasons due to its diverse landscape. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and active waterfalls, while autumn showcases spectacular fall colors. Winter offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking on suitable trails. The best time depends on your preferred scenery and activity.

Yes, Sault Ste. Marie's location provides stunning waterfront access. The Trap Rock Trail offers incredible views of the St. Marys River, Squirrel Island, and Lake George from a high rocky overlook. You can also explore areas like Pointe des Chenes, a waterfront park known for its sand beaches and shallow waters, offering recreational activities and scenic views along the Great Lakes shores.