Hidden Gems | Paradise Pathways

Paradise Pathway

Health professionals recommend that you consider social distancing during travel or vacation times this summer of 2020 and that ideally a visit to a natural environment could offer the most comfort.  The Paradise area is a less frequented location then say, Disney World, Florida or Traverse City, Michigan but it offers several hidden gems including the  Betsy River and Vermillion Point.  Both offer a unique history and story of local culture, but neither offers the comfort of a groomed hiking trail such as Paradise Pathways.

Paradise (top center above) in Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Paradise Pathways is located just west of Paradise, Michigan along M-123, Michigan's Tahquamenon Scenic Byway.  In the map below you'll find in the bottom right corner, Paradise.   For your convenience, the trail head of Paradise Pathways offers a large paved parking lot and Paradise Pathways to the west.  The smaller of the three trails is located on the same side of the road as the parking area.  The southern trail is groomed by a group of local quiet trails enthusiasts, Tahquamenon Country Pathways Association, and covers 1.6 miles.  The two northern trails will be more of a challenge and, as of the writing of this article, have not been groomed for awhile.  This region is owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources within the Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Paradise Pathway Trailhead (star)

A casual walk within hardwoods and pines offers the soul a means to release the anxieties of the day.  The shade offers respite from the afternoon sun and the rustle of the leaves a charming distraction from the discussions and debates in the media. Welcome to Paradise, Michigan and enjoy the quiet nature that surrounds the community.

Other non-motorized trails in the Tahquamenon River basin are listed in the table below.

List of Tahquamenon Country Non-Motorized Trails
Name	Nearest Municipality	Length	Hiking	Biking	XSki	Canoe/Kayak Access	Photography
Bodi Lake	18 mi. NW of Paradise	1.3 mi.	H	B		X	X
Canada Lakes Pathway	5.5 mi. SE of Newberry	14 mi.	H	B	X		X
Michgan's Iron Belle Trail	4.6 mi. S of Paradise	1,259 mi.	H	B	X	X	X
Muskallonge - Hiking Trail	26 mi. NW of Newberry	1.5 mi.	H		X		X
North Country Trail	4.6 mi. S. of Paradise	4,600 mi.	H	B	X	X	X
Paradise Pathways	.5 mi. W of Paradise	5.2 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Clark Lake Loop	12 mi. W of Paradise	5.6 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Emerson Trail	12 mi. W of Paradise	1 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Giant Pines Trail	12 mi. W of Paradise	3.5 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - Nature Trail	12 mi. W of Paradise	1 mi.	H		X		X
Tahquamenon - River Trail	4.6 mi. S of Paradise	4 mi.	H			X	X
Tahquamenon - Wilderness Loop	12 mi. W of Paradise	7.4 mi.	H		X		X

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This vacation information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Inn (Hotel), Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area