Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area

20 miles of hiking and backcountry skiing trails through aspen, birch, pine and hardwood forests. Numerous Kettle lakes and bogs add to the outdoor experience.

Hoist Lakes encompasses over 10,000 acres of pine, aspen and hardwood forests. The area is large enough to challenge any backpacking enthusiast. There are over 20 miles of trails winding through small pothole lakes and areas of beaver flooding, as well as over and around hills and ridges. As you travel through the area, watch for examples of timber harvesting and tree regeneration, wildlife management and watershed management. Hunting and fishing are permitted in season. The Hoist Lakes Area is home to white-tail deer, black bear, raccoon, red fox, coyote, beaver, otter, mink, badger, skunks, and squirrels. North Hoist Lake is home to bass and sunfish while South Hoist Lake is a designated trout lake and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Byron Lake offers good bass and perch fishing.

There are 20 miles of ungroomed ski trails . Difficulty ranges from moderate to more difficult/most difficult due to length of trails. Hoist Lakes East trailhead (accessed from M-65) is maintained year-round and is plowed in winter.

National Forest Service vehicle pass is required.

This site is not gated during the off season and is not maintained in winter. Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed. No water and/or toilet facilities are available.

Birding Site:M-65 between Glennie and Curran. Warblers/woodland/waterfowl (s,su)

Key for best birding season- y (year round) s (spring) su (summer) f (fall) w (winter)

Source: Peggy Ridgway, AuSable Valley Audubon Society

Download the US 23 Trails Map to access trails along the entire US-23 Sunrise Coast! 

Things To Do: Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Rustic Camping, Snowshoeing

Open: Year Round, Restrooms Available

GPS: 44.63899, -83.77797