Agonikak National Recreation Trail
The access point for Ottawa National Forest is in the small town of Watersmeet in Michigan. One of the more popular trails that travels through here is the Agonikak National Recreation Trail, which boasts 12 miles of hike-able and bikable paths that head through the length of the thick forest. The trail is over 10 feet wide, mostly made from asphalt, which makes it easy to travel on.
The beginning of the trail is pretty urban since it starts in a small trailhead park in the center of the city of Watersmeet. With plenty of parking, bathrooms, water fountains, and a place to stretch before setting out this is probably the more loveable starting point. People can also start at the Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center, which is only half a mile from the original starting point. The visitor center has more parking and also provides benches, picnic tables, water fountains, and restrooms to use.
After you and Fido are prepared enough to leave and get past the visitor center, you'll dive right into the thick forests that make up the forest. There are almost a million acres of land to the forest and the trail explore mostly the eastern side of it.
The trail is mostly comprised of white spruce, red maple, paper birch, and aspen trees. The thick areas surround the trail, giving it plenty of shade and a secluded feeling. Some areas open up to small fields, with sights of the nearby lakes like Allens and Shadow Lake. Not only is the forest thick in trees in vegetation, but also wildlife. There are Whitetail Deer, Black Bears, Grey Wolves, Hawks, Rabbits, Coyotes, and multiple bird species.
After a long trek through the forest, the endpoint you'll come up to is the Michigan Roadside Park Trailhead. A small park with picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, gravel parking, and water fountains. The park is right on the state line to Wisconsin and can be continued along other trails if you and Fido wish.
If you don't though, you'll enjoy a serene day out, with plenty to view and see. Although the hike is a little long, isn't it worth it when you get to spend so much time outside with your best friend?
