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Russell and Miriam Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary
4.9 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Running trail in Eagle Harbor, Michigan · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Russell and Miriam Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking route, with views from rock outcroppings and dense forests, atop Bare Bluff.
What runners say about Russell and Miriam Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary
“An eagle was soaring back and forth below us as we took in the beautiful sights the U.”
Arguably the best views on the Keweenaw from the top of Bare Bluff! The trail in from the parking area is an old two-track. After approx a half mike, you will enter the wooded area and come to a sign where the loop begins. For an easy/moderate hike go to the LEFT (up into the woods) until you reach the top.
Whoever tore up the trailhead needs Jesus. You will park in front of the blue gate and walk about 0.8 miles to the trailhead, denoted by stone arrows on the ground and and the remnants of the parking lot.
This is where the ancient Keweenaw Fault runs into Lake Superior. Very Strenuous hike; must wear decent shoes (no sandals) and be prepared to huff a lot! Easier route is to go LEFT to the top of the bluff (still strenuous at the end) and come back the same way.
An area I have wanted to hike forever. August 2022 finally got there. When we were there, you could drive right to the Memorial parking area, I have heard there is now a gate a half mile from there. Do not let that stop you. The hike and views at the top were worth every step.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you reach the sign of the bluff overlook map, go left and that will take you to the highest point of the bluff overlook.”
“When we were there, you could drive right to the Memorial parking area, I have heard there is now a gate a half mile from there.”
“We went right at the loop which I think is the more strenuous direction, but I'm glad we went that way because going down it would be much harder, I think.”
“Views of Lake Superior, rocky outcrops, and mature forests rewarded us along the path.”
“You are climbing along the bottom of the face, across a rock slide area and climbing up a fairly steep gully.”
“The path is NOT very well tread whether in the woods or in the rocks below; must look for distant blaze markers sprayed/flagged on trees or rocks.”
Plan your run at Russell and Miriam Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemichigannature.iescentral.com
- Phone(517) 655-5655
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Eagle Harbor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Swedetown Recreation Area
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