The Boundary Road Trails area is one of the hidden gems of Houghton, Michigan — so hidden, in fact, that many locals don’t know it exists. Tucked away in the trees a few miles from town, this beautiful 3.5-mile trail network takes you deep into the lush, silent forest and along the Pilgrim River.
Visit the trails year-round; they’re always free and open to the public. According to signs around the property, dogs are “100% welcome.”
Boundary Road Trails: Things to Do
Boundary Road Trails is a volunteer-run recreation area that’s open for silent sports all year. (Motorized vehicles are not allowed.)
In the summer, come for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and dog walking. When the snow falls, the operators groom the logging-road trails for cross-country skiing; you can also go snowshoeing and fat-tire biking.
Other permitted activities:
- Mushroom gathering
- Kayaking and canoeing (water levels permitting, launch elsewhere)
- Swimming
- Birdwatching
- Picnicking
- Berry picking
- Hunting
Pack your fishing gear — the Pilgrim River is home to brook trout, splake, and lake trout. Fishing season runs from late April through September. According to a sign in the parking lot, the Michigan DNR allows you to keep one fish per day as long as it’s at least 20 inches long. You’ll also need a Michigan fishing license.
Using the Trails
The trail network is easy to navigate for hikers of all skill levels. Every trail juncture has a number that corresponds to the map above, so you always know where you are. (There’s a map at every intersection, too.)
Boundary Road Trail lengths:
- Trailhead (#1) to Picnic table (#4): 0.9 mi.
- Singletrack (#4 to #7): 1.55 mi.
- #7 to trailhead (#1): 0.88 mi.
- Cut-across trail (#5 to #6): 0.34 mi.
Paths are clearly marked with blue blazes, which is helpful if you’re backcountry skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. In the summer, it’s a breeze to find the route; the trails are well-maintained and easy to follow.
Most of the trails are former logging roads, so they’re wide and open. The best hike — the singletrack section — is located on the far end of the network between trail markers 4 and 7. Here, a narrow trail winds through the trees, offering a few gentle climbs along the way.
We recommend doing the full loop. If you don’t have time, take the shortcut between markers 6 and 7. You’ll still get a sense of the singletrack, but you’ll shave off about a mile.
How to Get to the Boundary Road Trails
Boundary Road Trails are located approximately 6 miles south of Houghton, Michigan. There’s plenty of room to park in the dirt parking lot.
Directions to the Boundary Road Trails
- From downtown Houghton, drive up Bridge Street and stay on it as it turns into Military Street.
- Go straight through the flashing light at the top of the hill
- Turn left on Superior Road at the T-intersection, and drive 4.4 miles
- Turn left on Boundary Road
- Drive 0.4 miles to reach the parking area on the left
If you’re using a smartphone, the Boundary Road Trail marker in Google Maps is accurate. You can also use GPS coordinates 47.055121, -88.583925.
About the Boundary Road Trails
The Boundary Road Trails are part of the Pilgrim River Watershed Project, which aims to protect the land around the Pilgrim River. In line with the project’s goals, the land is privately owned, but undeveloped and open for public access.
The trails are owned and maintained by a local family with the help of volunteers. If you want to volunteer or donate, check out Facebook or Instagram for opportunities.
Things to Do Nearby
Can’t get enough hiking, skiing, or biking? Drive a few minutes down Boundary Road, and you’ll find the southern trailhead for the Pilgrim River Forest, which connects to the Pilgrim Community Forest. The Michigan Tech Trails are also nearby. Alternatively, check out the other spots for hiking near Houghton, MI.