The best walks and hikes in Ottawa National Forest

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Ottawa National Forest, but they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times. It's important to be mindful of wildlife and other hikers. Always pack out any waste to help keep the forest clean.

The forest is famous for its waterfalls, especially along the Black River National Scenic Byway. For a route that takes in several cascades, consider the Rainbow, Gorge, and Potawatomi Falls via North Country Trail. This trail follows a scenic portion of the river, offering views of multiple falls.

Absolutely. The forest has several shorter, less strenuous trails perfect for families. A great option is the hike to O Kun de Kun Falls. It's a relatively flat 2.5-mile (4.0 km) walk through the woods to a beautiful waterfall with a suspension bridge, making it an exciting and manageable adventure for all ages.

Summer and fall are the most popular seasons for hiking. Summer offers warm weather perfect for exploring the lakes and rivers. Autumn is spectacular, as the dense hardwood forests display brilliant fall colors. Spring can be wet with high water levels at the falls, while winter transforms the landscape for snowshoeing, though hiking can be challenging due to deep snow.

Yes, the Sylvania Wilderness Area is known for its pristine lakes and old-growth forests, offering excellent loop hikes. The Clark Lake Loop is a fantastic moderate option, circling the lake for about 8.3 miles (13.4 km) through a serene, primitive landscape.

Yes, Ottawa National Forest is a great destination for backpacking, with long-distance trails and designated wilderness areas. A significant portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the forest, offering multi-day hiking opportunities. The Sylvania, Sturgeon River Gorge, and McCormick Wilderness areas also provide rugged, remote terrain for experienced backpackers seeking solitude.

The forest is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, bald eagles, loons on the lakes, and various waterfowl. While less common, it's also possible to spot black bears, so it's important to be bear-aware by storing food properly and knowing what to do during an encounter. The diverse habitats support a wide range of species.

The trails in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning waterfalls, the solitude of the wilderness areas, and the beauty of the old-growth forests, particularly within the Sylvania Wilderness.

For dramatic landscapes, head to the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. Here, the Sturgeon River has carved a gorge that reaches depths of up to 350 feet. Trails in this area offer rugged hiking with rewarding views of the gorge and the powerful Sturgeon Falls.

Most of the popular trailheads, especially those along the Black River National Scenic Byway and at access points for the Sylvania Wilderness, have designated parking areas. However, these can fill up on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is a good idea. Some more remote trailheads may have limited, unimproved parking.

Some of the most popular waterfalls, like Bond Falls and Agate Falls, have accessible boardwalks and viewing platforms that make them reachable for visitors with mobility challenges. The trail along the Black River Scenic Byway also has paved sections and accessible platforms at several of the main waterfall overlooks.