Owasippe Trails
The Owasippe trails remains the camp’s oldest program resource, dating back to Owasippe’s origin in 1911. In fact, many of these routes predate Owasippe as Native American passages, pioneer trails, or lumberjack roads. These trails cover the Reservation for approximately 75 miles, cutting through some of the most scenic and historic locations of Muskegon County and the Manistee National Forest. The 3 major trails described below, connect at various points allowing you to create your own adventure.
For more information on trail usage during off the season and to obtain a Parking Permit: Click here for Off Season (PTAC Link) 2024 Owasippe Biking Trails rules and regulations.
The Blue Trail
is a circular trail that skirts the boundaries of Owasippe. It has a greater level of difficulty and is suited to older Scouts and experienced hikers. Its inspiring scenery and natural wonder compliment the challenge of this wilderness route that takes hikers through the marl beds, one of the wonders of Owasippe. (8.6 miles)
The Orange Trail
A circular trail that follows the edge of Lake Wolverine and travels through Camp Carlen, Crown, and Wolverine. While Lake Wolverine is a man‐made reservoir, the lake has become an integral part of Owasippe’s ecosystem. (5.1 miles)
The Orange Trail
Many species of plants and animals can be seen by hiking this trail. Common wildlife sightings include turtles, fish, snakes, porcupines, Great Blue Heron, swans, and ducks. For the best chance to see wildlife and great lighting for photography, this trail is best visited early in the morning.
The Red Trail
This trail begins at Camp Blackhawk and traverses west past Pickerel Pond, through Paradise Valley and on to Owasippe’s Grave. The trail then goes south past Pierre’s Bayou to the Administration Center, past the Tar Pits and ends at the south end of Lake Wolverine, at the Orange Trail. (4.8 miles)
The White Trails
Connect other trails together or lead to points of interest. Owasippe’s trails are marked with colored fleur‐de‐lis embossed with the word “Owasippe.” Create a hike of shorter or longer distance using the White Trails. A trail map and maps of Owasippe are available from your Commissioner. (varying distances)
“I Hiked ‘Em All”
Scouts and Leaders who hike every trail at Owasippe may wear the “I Hiked ‘Em All” patch, available in the Main Trading Post. Also available for purchase in the Trading Post are segment patches for hiking each individual trail.
Owasippe Digital Forest
Owasippe Digital Forest STEM Challenge
As your Patrol hikes the trails of Owasippe, be sure to bring your compass and smartphone with you, or ask to borrow one of our tablets. Scan the QR codes on the distance markers of posts offering the Owasippe STEM trail Challenge, solve the problem presented and move on down the trail to the next marker. For more information on this fun and innovative program refer to your program guide.
Owasippe Trail Map (Click on map to enlarge)