Visit Wilderness

Horseshoe Bay curves gently along the northwest shore of Lake Huron. Sandy beaches line the southern third of the shoreline, transitioning to rocky and marshy areas in the north. As you hike into the Wilderness, you’ll encounter low ridges covered with balsam and cedar, which separate narrow, shallow swamps. Remnants of past logging operations—abandoned roads and cedar stumps—can still be seen here. Long before the loggers arrived, evidence suggests that Native Americans fished these waters along Lake Huron’s shores.

The Wilderness borders include areas of private land, and the wildlife reflects typical wetland species. Beavers, otters, mink, muskrats, ducks, herons, and gulls are common, while eagles and ospreys nest in scattered white pines along the shoreline. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and snowshoe hares may also be spotted. However, noise from nearby Interstate 75 can occasionally be heard throughout the Wilderness.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Horseshoe Bay Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Rules & Regulations

Contacts