P H HOEFT STATE PARK
Hoeft State Park is a heavily wooded 300-acre park with a mile of sandy, Lake Huron shoreline. The moderating effect of Lake Huron causes temperatures to be less extreme during both summer and winter and also causes up to two weeks delay in season changes compared to a few miles inland. This was one of the first 14 Michigan State Parks. The original property was donated by lumber baron, Paul H. Hoeft on January 2, 1922. A picnic shelter still in use was built in the day use area by the Civilian Conservation Corps in late 1930s. In 1960, the campground was expanded from 66 campsites to its present size.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
The park features 4.5 miles of trails running through gently rolling, mixed hardwood/conifer forest as well as along the Lake Huron shoreline. There are many wildflowers to view, especially in the spring.
Trails in the park:
Hoeft-Hardwoods Trail - 1.5 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Hoeft-Nagel Creek Trail - 0.75 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Hoeft-Beach Trail - 1.5 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Hoeft-Pavilion Trail - 0.25 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
The park is a convenient stop over or staging area for travelers planning activities in the Straits area. The Mackinac Bridge is 50 miles northwest vis US-23. Bicyclists can use the bike trail to Rogers City just 4.5 miles away.
Biking:
A 10-foot wide paved non-motorized trail starts in the day use area and connects at the park entrance to the Huron Sunrise Trail. It stretches to Rogers City riding along the beach next to Lake Huron and ends at Calcite Limestone Quarry, the world's largest open pit limestone mine. This trail also connects to Herman Vogler Conservation Area which includes seven miles of hiking and biking trails.
Metal Detecting Areas:
Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statues. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.
My boys and I are traveling around Michigan each year, staying at different State Campgrounds each trip. This is one of our favorites so far. We were fortunate to get one of the sites that is backed up against the dunes. Between the swimming and hiking, we never were without something to do. Even found a good Baptist Church (Roger City Baptist) nearby to visit on Sunday. There are rivers nearby and will be planning a return trip next year to add in some kayaking to our excitement.
Share Your P H Hoeft State Park Photos (click here)
