Whether you just enjoy walking, love getting outdoors and leaving your cares behind, are an avid bird watcher, or enjoy seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, Lake County is the place for you.

Half of the county is covered in state and federal land with all the hiking opportunities you could ever imagine.  In addition, the North Country National Scenic Trail threads itself through our beautiful county. The trail, often referred to as the North Country Trail (NCT), begins in New York and ends in North Dakota. Each year, the North County Trail lures adventurers from within the United States and around the world.

For more information on hiking in Lake County, please click on any of these links:

Manistee National Forest

Pere Marquette State Forest

National Park Service

North Country Scenic Trail Association

In addition to being able to operate your licensed ORV on most Lake County roads, scenic trails wind through woods, along rivers and near lakes. We are pleased to provide the Lake County ORV Ordinance effective February 8, 2023 to help you plan your ATV adventure.