Mackinac Island is one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions, with good reason. It’s got the beautiful scenery going for it. And the no-cars / only bikes and horses things – that’s neat. Plus the historical significance of the island and the famous sites – can’t forget those. Oh, and lots of fudge. I get three slices every time I’m there. I prefer Joann’s, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.

So Mackinac’s popularity is well-deserved. And thus, thousands of people arrive every day during the height of the tourist season. And even when it’s not the height of tourist season, they still come. Which is fine, unless you would like a little peace and quiet. For those people, we have a few options:

  1. Don’t go to the island from late spring to mid-autumn. Probably not the advice you were looking for
  2. Go mid-week. There are still plenty of people around, but not as many as you will see on weekends
  3. Go somewhere on the island where other people don’t

The first two are self-explanatory. For the third option, most visitors don’t get much beyond the downtown area, or they ride around the 8-mile M-185 highway (yes, a highway where cars aren’t allowed). This leaves much of the interior free of crowds. You’ll still see some around famous sites like Fort Mackinac or Arch Rock, but for the most part, the interior of  the island is quiet.

Arch Rock

Please note that taking a picture of Arch Rock during your visit to the island is mandatory – they check the camera or phone to verify at least one person in your party has taken one.

As I hiker, I find my solitude on trails, and unbeknownst to most, the island has some great trails. Most trails need a bike to get to, but there are a few not far from the downtown. One in particular, Manitou Trail, is quite easy to access, though once on it, you’ll need some of cardiovascular endurance to make the hike.

The East Bluff runs north of Fort Mackinac and is lined with beautiful “cottages” with views of the Straights, Round Island and Bois Blanc Island. There are a few roads and staircases to get there, and once up, head east, away from downtown. But if you must – and you should – take a peak towards Main Street for one of the best views on the island, and my favorite spot.

East Bluff View

Once you pass the last cottage, the road turns to the left and you’ll see a wooden sign pointing to the right, the Manitou Trail. Almost immediately, you get a steep ascent up exposed limestone blocks. This is probably the toughest part of the trail, so once you get past that, though you’ll still have the occasional climb, but nothing like that introduction. Depending on when you go, wildflowers may run along the path. Any time of year, though, it will be a quiet walk.

Manitou Trail

The trail leads to the lookout known as Robinson’s Folly. There are a few explanations for the origins of the name, two being Captain Robinson built a house on the edge of the cliff and the cliff collapsed, along with the house. Another is the captain pursued a beautiful Indian woman who turned out to be a malicious spirit and lured him over the cliff to his death. A big flaw in either of these myths is that there never was a Captain Robinson stationed on the island, but the stories are still fun. But however the imaginary captain met his fate, there are great views.

Mission Point

From Robinson’s Folly, the trail turns and follows the edge of the cliffs that run along the northern side of the island. Not too close, so it’s relatively safe, but there are no guardrails, and you do have to watch your footing. Don’t let this deter you, though – it’s a wonderful walk. While trees block the view of the lake for much of the hike, there are glimpses of the water.

Manitou Trail

The trail runs to Arch Rock, and then a set of stairs ascend to the Nicolet Lookout, then continues along the edge as it did before. The area beyond the Nicolet monument allows for better views, and you can follow the trail as long as you like – or until you get to shore, and then the walking stops and the boating begins. But there is tremendous color as the sun goes down, with the mainland Upper Peninsula in the background. I stood there for a minute, enjoying the view and leaning against a pine tree, and then realized how sticky my hand was from the sap running down the trunk. Memories.

Lake Huron view

For a return trip, a paved trail parallel to the Manitou Trail back in the direction of Arch Rock and then turns towards Fort Mackinac. I usually take this route for my trip back to town for a different view. But whether you choose the paved or unpaved route, it’s a great walk on the island.

Paved trail