U.P. Michigan Region
U.P. Michigan Region
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Lake Gogebic Shines Bright as a Vacation Destination By Dennis Fearson The Lake Gogebic area is a beautiful, four-season vacation gem. The lake itself is one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan, with over 13,000 acres of prime fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, jumbo perch and pike, and 36 miles of winding, scenic shoreline. The million-acre Ottawa National Forest, as well as the 21,000acre Sylvania Wilderness, surrounds the Lake Gogebic area, providing endless opportunities to enjoy nature in a variety of ways, including many great choices for scenic hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and biking. With so much forest surrounding the area, fall colors are absolutely breathtaking! The area is also flush with wildlife, with a few shy or rare species adding to the excitement as you may come across animals such
Aug/Sept 2021 | UpNorthAction.com
as a black bear, coyote or fisher and the occasional moose wandering about. Predator birds are especially exciting to watch: peregrine falcon, osprey, owls, bald eagles and occasionally golden eagles. Wild turkey, loons and sandhill cranes and blue herons all make this area their home. Alligator Eye, on the southwest end of Lake Gogebic, a short but challenging hike where you can experience a beautiful stretch of forest that will take you to a spectacular lookout above the lake. You can see for miles and it’s a treasure worth discovering. The Lake Gogebic area is the hub for hundreds of miles of multiuse trails, with gorgeous scenery, mines, historic settlements, unique little towns and waterfalls are yours to explore. Multi-use trail maps are available upon request. The area has a wide variety of attraction and activities. There are three campgrounds on the west side of the lake, one campground on the north end and several private campgrounds. For paddling enthusiast, the Lake Gogebic area boasts three water trails with family-friendly appeal, from placid water and short distance to challenging. All three of the water trails offer wilderness flavor.
