The Pilgrim Community Forest extends across 276 acres of rolling terrain, just a few miles outside Houghton, Michigan. With a maintained hiking trail and access to the Pilgrim River, it offers plenty of opportunities for year-round recreation.
This forest is located adjacent to the Pilgrim River Forest (see below) — you can combine the two areas for a longer outdoor adventure.
Things to Do
The Pilgrim Community Forest allows non-motorized, low-impact recreation. Many people come to hike and mountain bike on the 2.5-mile recreation trail. It’s mostly singletrack and travels over hilly terrain, especially in the section near the Paradise Road trailhead.
Other activities include:
- Snowshoeing
- Backcountry Nordic skiing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Paddling (when the water is high enough)
If you’re fishing or hunting, make sure you understand the state’s laws regarding seasons, license requirements, and other regulations. The Pilgrim River is a popular spot for brook trout and lake trout; the fishing season typically runs from the last weekend in April through the end of September. Hunters must follow the Michigan Commercial Forest Program rules (scroll to the bottom of that page for specifics), which say that you can hunt on foot but may not put up deer blinds.
About the Pilgrim Community Forest
The Pilgrim Community Forest is free and open to the public year-round. Dogs are allowed, as long as you keep them under control and in sight. You must also clean up after your pet.
Rules for use:
- Leave no trace
- Respect other users
- Pack out trash
- Don’t damage trails
The Keweenaw Land Trust manages the forest, which is part of the Pilgrim River Watershed Project. It’s located adjacent to the Boundary Road Trails, which are also open to the public.
How to Get to Pilgrim Community Forest
You can access the Pilgrim Community Forest from two trailheads. Each section provides a completely different experience.
Paradise Road Trailhead
This trailhead is located near the intersection of Pilgrim Road and Paradise Road (GPS coordinates 47.087128, -88.552500). Park your car at the end of Pilgrim Road; the shoulder is wide and accommodates about three vehicles.
To get to the trail, cross Paradise Road; the path starts behind the uphill end of the guardrail. Cars drive absurdly fast on Paradise, so watch out for traffic.
This section of the Pilgrim Community Forest features a hilly, packed-dirt singletrack trail. It winds through the trees, offering plenty of twists and turns.
Pilgrim River Forest Trailhead
This trailhead is located in the Pilgrim River Forest, which is adjacent to the Pilgrim Community Forest. (GPS coordinates 47.055188, -88.575768) The two forests share a boundary along the Pilgrim River.
The trail in this section is overgrown with ferns and tall grasses, but it’s still easy to follow. Wear long pants and socks in the warmer months to keep ticks off your legs. If you hike through both tracts of land, it’s about 5 miles one way. We recommend leaving vehicles at both ends and shuttling back to the start.
Things to Do Nearby
At the Pilgrim Community Forest, you’re just a few miles from all the best skiing, biking, and hiking trails near Houghton. Check out the Michigan Tech Trails, or try the Houghton Waterfront Trail for an easy stroll. Hungry after your adventure? Visit one of the restaurants in Houghton, MI.