Negwegon State Park & Trail
12 miles of backcountry hiking through cedar, ash, pine, oak, and aspen forests, views of Lake Huron, and backcountry camping sites.
Negwegon State Park is a 3,738-acre rustic, undeveloped area open for hunting, walk-in camping, and hiking. The terrain is a mixture of lowland areas, with small ridges, to mature pine forest, with some hardwoods and aspen forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. Negwegon hosts a beautiful undeveloped sandy beach on Lake Huron. Please use caution when visiting Negwegon, as the roads into the park are often so sandy that a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails or off-road.
Backcountry camping is available in Negwegon State Park from April through November. This type of camping can be a very rewarding experience as some of Negwegon State Park’s most scenic areas are accessible only by hiking, kayaking, or canoeing along the Lake Huron shore. The remoteness and serenity of backcountry camping draws many people; however, those same reasons necessitate careful planning and preparation.
Within Negwegon State Park are approximately 12 miles of trails for hiking. The trailhead is located in the main parking lot. Sand Hill Trail, which accesses the park, is a seasonal road, so 4-wheel drive is recommended. Contact the Harrisville State Park for more current road conditions.
You are responsible for your own safety. Please carefully read the following information before venturing into the backcountry. Backcountry camping reservations through Harrisville State Park (989) 724-5126.
For news, photos, and volunteer opportunities at this park, please visit Friends of Negwegon!
The park is supported by a nonprofit volunteer group known as Friends of Negwegon. This group works with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to help preserve, protect, and promote Negwegon State Park through stewardship, education, and research. Visit www.fonsp.org.
Site: Negwegon State Park, located 25 miles north of Harrisville, is accessible from US 23 N. Via Black River Road East to Sandhill Road North, a sandy but passable road. Sandhill Road South, which connects to Negwegon Park Rd., is very sandy, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. The park is a 3700 acre mixture of low land and small ridges that include mature pine forest, hardwoods, and Aspen with open pockets of meadows.
Birding: Starting at the parking lot, a one-hour hike to South Point will bring you to an excellent birding site for the spring and fall passerine and water bird migration. Gulls nest on Bird Island. Red-shouldered hawks and merlin nest within the park. Multiple spring thrushes pass through.
Access Point Type: Via Gravel or Dirt Road
Launch Type: Carry-in Launching (Kayak), Suitable Small Craft Landing Area (Kayak)
Beach Type: Sand
Beach Approach: Moderate Banks
Facilities/Services: Restrooms (Pit)
Notes: Accessible only by water or hike-in, wilderness camping. Stone walls and cairns, site of old homestead. Cobble beach and shallow near-shore areas make launching difficult, especially on windy days. Several small islands that are water bird rookeries are nearby. A popular day paddle is to launch at Black River. Paddle north to South Point and around the islands, then return to Black River.
Download the US 23 Trails Map to access trails along the US-23 Sunrise Coast!
Things To Do: Birding, Canoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Hunting, Kayaking, Rustic Camping, Scenic Viewing, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Wildlife Watching
Open: Year-Round; Restrooms Available
