Watersmeet, MI: Clark Lake
This 8.2-mile Sylvania Wilderness overnight loops around a glacial lake with sandy beaches and huge virgin-growth trees. It's one of the best hiking spots in the upper Midwest.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 13.3
Waypoints
CLL001
Location: 46.2386703491211, -89.329719543457
Start @ boat launch; take blue-blazed path S along Clark Lake
CLL002
Location: 46.2306213378906, -89.3227005004883
Nurse logs rot under huge, virgin white pine, birch, hemlock
CLL003
Location: 46.2300491333008, -89.3149490356445
Brown post marks lakeside campsite; continue S, then bear NE
CLL004
Location: 46.227123260498, -89.3138885498047
Tiny strip of land separates pond from the main lake
CLL006
Location: 46.2183990478516, -89.2984313964844
Sidetrip: Turn L and follow faint trail to Crooked Lake
CLL007
Location: 46.2214012145996, -89.2940979003906
Crooked Lake: Note the abundance of green (algae, lily pads) in this lake compared to the clear waters of Clark Lake; backtrack to waypoint 6
CLL008
Location: 46.2150917053223, -89.3000564575195
Stay straight; path on L is a portage trail to Loon Lake
CLL005
Location: 46.2212295532227, -89.3028030395508
Designated campsite; swing N around a marshy point
CLL009
Location: 46.2103500366211, -89.3173294067383
Trail leaves lake, heads uphill along abandoned forest road; turn R and head N between Hay & Glimmerglass Lakes
CLL010
Location: 46.2243690490723, -89.3323364257812
Sandy beach with short wooded patches; campsites dot shore
CLL011
Location: 46.2402305603027, -89.3404922485352
Trail traces peaceful shoreline for a long stretch; near lake’s NW corner, a large building is visible above the trees; stay along lake through picnic area and back to trailhead