Narnia Trail sign pointing the way to the trail’s end.
Along the shore of Lake Huron, just east of Cedarville is a hidden hiking trail that takes the hiker into an unexpected natural wonderland. Known as the Bush Bay Trail, locally it has another name, an alias, the Narnia Trail. Thick trees and large moss-covered rocks give the impression of a fantasy world that should be filled with fairies and elves. This is a wonderful way to experience the wildness of Lake Huron’s northern shore.
The rough and rugged shore of Dolomite Bay near Cedarville.
From the junction of M 134 and M 129 in Cedarville, drive just under 4 miles east on M 134 and there will be a turnout on the Lake Huron side of the road. It is immediately past the Dolomite quarry. A large pile of dolomite lines the road on the north side. Just past this is an unmarked turnout which is the trailhead. The parking lot is a U shape and the hiking trail begins on the east corner.
The John J Boland with a load of Dolomite from the quarry in Dolomite Bay.
A beautiful view of Lake Huron graces the parking lot making many visitors think this is a scenic turnout only and never realize there is an incredible trail here. Part of the view to the west, piles of dolomite dominate and a large conveyor loader hangs over the water. Ore freighters frequently enter the bay to load up dolomite so your odds of seeing a ship here are pretty good.
At the beginning are these small bluffs. The rocks have natural steps that make it easier.
The Bush Bay / Narnia Trail is a little over a mile long, 2.1 round trip. There are no steep inclines and is relatively flat, easy hiking. The trail basically follows the shoreline and there are nice views of Dolomite Bay along the way. The shoreline here is rugged and rocky where glaciers deposited some amazing looking boulders.
The cedar trees are thick along the trail but provide a soft feel to the hike.
Giant stones are everywhere including the interior woods where the trail runs. Cedar trees grow thick and lush while beneath grows fine and soft grass. It creates a lush look that transforms the landscape. Wildflowers add color and character to the hike.
There were once homesteads here. The remains of one is a sight along the trail. The old log walls have collapsed and a chimney still stands, seemingly ready to warm a building that no longer exists. This would have been a beautiful place to spend time, a few trees between the cabin and the shore, a true summer paradise.
The remnants of an old homestead sit along the trail. An old standing chimney can be seen in the back through the trees.
The trail marker.
The beginning of the trail is easy to follow and wandering off it is difficult, but the further the trail goes, the more there are meandering off paths from hikers that have explored in different directions. The second half of the trail has several of these. Fortunately the actual trail is marked with metal medallions on the trees that display a silver arrow surrounded by red. They are plainly visible both coming and going. If you don’t see these, you’ve probably wandered off trail gawking at the lush moss-covered boulders and should backtrack.
I call this the fort. There is a round circle at the center of it and was reminiscent of when I was a kid and built forts everywhere.
The further the trail runs, the more spectacular the views become.
A passage through the rocks at Narnia.
Larger and larger, more and more boulders appear on the trail, thickly encased in moss with trees growing out of them and on top. Roots stretch down the rock sides adding to the wildness of the place. It becomes more like a world from a fantasy as it all closes in and surrounds the trail. The hiker walks between the immense rocks through a passage that the glaciers conveniently left behind.
Suddenly the trail comes out revealing a lamppost. A sign saying “Narnia” hangs on it. There are trails running all through this section of woods. Hikers have wandered all throughout and it is understandable why. It is otherworldly here. Nature has thrived creating a natural work of art. Exploring it is a must, but be conscious of being off trail.
The Narnia lamppost in the midst of great clusters of rock. You’ve arrived.
All around surrounding the Lamppost are breathtaking sights. The rocks are large and an imposing sight with large trees growing out of the thick moss on the boulders themselves. Ferns cling to pockets in the rocks finding a home where they can. Nature will find a way.
Ferns cling to life on the side of a rock.
This all seems appropriate. The Upper Peninsula has Christmas and Paradise. There’s a wood troll named Benny near Germfask, why shouldn’t there be a Narnia. This is a special place with a special quality all its own. Imagine the fallen down cabin once belonged to a man named Lewis and the passage between rocks is a wardrobe. Who knows, there may be a lion and a witch lurking about. It’s easy to believe one has been transported into a place of fantasy and imagination come to life.
Hiking surrounded by an incredible display of nature.
From here the marked trail continues on to a view of Lake Huron. There is no camping here. This is a day use trail only but one that shouldn’t be missed. There are some low lands along the trail and can be very buggy at certain times of the year. Be prepared. Take water.
Hikers exploring Narnia and the trail.