Northern Lights Trail

The Northern Lights Trail is a fun route located within the Traverse City Forest Management Unit. There are many dispersed camping sites along this track. If you plan on camping off this trail, please tread lightly and seek more information at the local DNR Office/Ranger Station before camping here. Most of the trail consists of sand and dirt. Like most Michigan trails, conditions are dependent on the weather. Recent rainfall can cause mud holes and washouts. Most of this trail is only wide enough for 1 vehicle with limited places to pass. Regardless of the conditions, this is a neat trail! The southern end of this trail is an epic place to view the northern lights if they are visible. The open field space gives a large view facing directly north. However, if there is any cloud cover, the lights from Traverse City can wash out the sky. But if the sky is clear and the lights are out, you should be lucky enough to experience this amazing sight!