South Higgins Lake State Park Trail

South Higgins State Park boasts 400 modern camp sites at its 1,000-acre park split in half by County Road 100. To the north is Higgins Lake and to the south is Marl Lake and 700 acres forested in maple, oak and pine. The park contains almost one mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake, which is a large spring-fed body of water known for its clarity and fishing potential. Marl Lake is considerably smaller, shallower and less developed. There is a self-guided nature trail in South Higgins, as well as five miles of hiking trails surrounding Marl Lake that offer naturalists a good opportunity to explore the local area and observe wildlife.   The trail system consists of three components: the 5.5 mile South Higgins Lake-Blue Trail; the two mile South Higgins Lake-Green Trail; and the 3.5 mile South Higgins Lake-Red Trail.  These trails can be used for cross-country skiing in the winter months, but the trails are not groomed.

MichiganTrailMaps.com says, "Marl Lake trail is divided into three loops - designated Green, Red and Blue Trails - with the Green being the shortest and a great hike for children even as young as four or five. Only 2 miles long and extremely level, the loop hugs Marl Lake so closely for the first half that there is a water view from every step. The Red Trail is 3.5 miles and reaches a bench on the lakeshore before heading back. The Blue Trail is the entire loop, a 5.5-mile round-trip to the Cut River, passes through small wetland areas that can be muddy in the spring." Click here for trail maps!