Every year my family goes camping in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Near the camp ground is a trail system call Fumee Lake Natural Area. This year I brought my camera.
Key Features:
- Lakes: Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake provide over five miles of undeveloped shoreline, perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching.
- Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of rare and threatened species, including bald eagles, common loons, and numerous orchid species.
- Recreational Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature photography throughout the year.
- Education: Fumee Lake is often used by educators to teach students about ecology and environmental science.
Review
The natural area was established in 1992 to preserve the wild area. With several miles of trails, one of which runs along an old rail road, there is more than enough to walk.
Three small lakes sit undisturbed by development and fishing is prohibited. The area is quiet and wild life is plentiful. Running out of Fumee and Little Fumee Lakes is a stream that leads to the Fumee Falls.
Fumee Falls is a road side park half way between Iron Mountain and Norway, Michigan. Offering a couple a picnic tables and a grill, the park offers a great view of the small waterfall. While not directly connected the the Fumee Lake Recreational Area, we still try to stop here every year.
With two entrances you can choose how far you want to walk. Of the Fumee Falls Trail Head in Norway you can hike a short trail around Little Fumee Lake or the entire trail system. However a second entrance near the Dickensen County Camp Ground allows access to the longer trails.
All of the trails are gravel and well maintained. Small trails off the main trails lead to the lake however these are not official but made by hikers wanting a view of the shore line.
One of the things to worry about is old mine shafts. Stay on the trails as there are old mines in the area that could be dangerous. In the early 1900’s iron mining was one of the main exports of the upper peninsula of Michigan. On the opposite side of Norway from the Fumee Falls is Iron Mountain iron mine. You can also visit the Menominee Range Museums to see the Cornish Pump and Mining Museum in Iron Mountan.
This is one of my favorite things to do during camping in Michigan. The trail has other hikers and bikers but not so many that you feel crowded. Loons, cranes, and other birds can be seen in the lake undisturbed by boaters. We’ve seen snakes and frogs. Signs of bears and deer are plentiful.
If you get a chance to visit you will enjoy. If you already have been please comment below.
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