Harrisville State Park & Cedar Run Nature Trail
State Park located on the shores of sparkling Lake Huron
Nestled in a stand of pine and cedar trees along the sandy shores of Lake Huron, Harrisville State Park features over one mile of hiking trail or ungroomed cross-country ski trail. This 107-acre park was established in 1921 and is one of Michigan’s oldest state parks. Sandy beach, buoyed swim area, picnic shelter, ball field, foot trails, volleyball and horseshoe courts. Location also includes a modern campground with cabins available to rent year-round. Picnic shelter and campsites available to rent (May-October) at the following website: https://www.midnrreservations.com/
Campground: Harrisville State Park Campground is a modern campground open mid-April to the third week in October. Mini cabins and rustic cabins are available all year. Harrisville State Park features a campground and day-use area nestled in a stand of pine and cedar trees along the sandy shores of Lake Huron. The park is within walking distance of the resort town of Harrisville. Established in 1921, it is one of Michigan's oldest state parks. The original park area consisted of six acres, much smaller than the current 107-acre size. It also offers a picnic area & pavilion, a two-mile hiking trail as well as non-groomed cross-country trails, and a metal detecting area. Bicycle rental is also available. With the opening of the Alcona County Heritage Route multi-use trail, park staff realized they could assist park visitors with exploring this trail if the park had a bicycle rental program, which they now have. The paved multi-use trail leads out of the park and connects to the remainder of the trail leading into the town of Harrisville. The bike rental program is designed to offer a service to both park campers and day users. Children’s and adult bicycles are offered at $10 each per day. Trikes are also available. Safety helmets and bike locks are available with each bicycle rental, or park visitors are welcome to bring their own helmets.
Birding Site: Approximately 13 miles north of Oscoda on US 23 is Harrisville State Park. This 107-acre park is a mecca for bird watchers. The heavily wooded pine and cedar habitat, Cedar Run Nature Trail, hosts a variety of warblers, nuthatches, woodpeckers, wrens, thrushes, sparrows, and hawks. A Merlin has nested inside the park near the camping area. Many shoreline species roam the Lake Huron beach which borders the park on the east end. Downtown Harrisville is within easy walking or driving distance.
Heritage Trail Trailhead: The Alcona County multi-use paved Heritage Trail runs through the Harrisville State Park. Take the path from the park into downtown Harrisville. Bike rentals are also available at the park for $10 per day. The park has both youth and adult bikes, as well as three-wheel trikes.
Cedar Run Nature Trail: The hiking and cross-country ski trail meanders through the State Park campground and natural area. The trail connects with the Harrisville Heritage Route Trail. Harrisville State Park features a campground and day-use area nestled in a stand of pine and cedar trees along the sandy shores of Lake Huron. The park is within walking distance of the resort town of Harrisville. Established in 1921, it is one of Michigan's oldest state parks.
Access Type: Via Paved Road
Launch Type: Carry-in Launching (Kayak)
Beach Type: Sand
Beach Approach: Low Banks
Vehicle Parking: Many parking spaces in the day use area
Facilities/Services: Restrooms (Seasonal), Handicapped Accessible Restrooms, Showers, Waste Receptacles, Water Faucet/Drinking Fountain
Camping Facilities: Class A Campsites(modern restrooms, electricity)
Day Use Facilities: Picnic Area, Playground/Activity Area, Interpretive Facilities
Notes: Harrisville State Park camping and Day Use; Seasonal camping; car-top boat launch; Fee required to Access Park; Full facilities available, including camping. Good launch
Things to Do: Biking, Birding, Canoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Improved Camping, Kayaking, Parking, Picnicking, Rustic Camping, Scenic Viewing, Short Term Rental, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Wildlife Watching
Open: Year-Round, 8 AM to 10 PM; Restrooms Available, Handicap Accessible
Harrisville State Park, PO Box 326, Harrisville, MI 48740
GPS: 44.64753, -83.30057
