Abundant scenery, varied terrain and more than 11 miles of trails await area residents and visitors at the recently expanded Fumee Lake Natural Area. Don't forget your camera

Surrounded by hills, the natural area is visually well-protected, creating the experience of wilderness in the very midst of busy Dickinson County. Located in Breitung Township, the Fumee Lake Natural Area is 1,808 acres in size, including Big and Little Fumee Lake.

With the recent acquisition of 716 acres of property to the north and west of the lake, the trail system has been expanded and now consists of four loops. They range in length from 1.6 to 7.2 miles. Trails are used for hiking and biking in the summer, and for cross country skiing in the winter. No snowmobiling is permitted.

The trails encircling Big and Little Fumee Lakes are relatively flat and suitable for beginning bikers. The South Ridge Trail is more difficult. It involves a gradual climb of 227 feet above Fumee Lake's elevation of 1,078 feet .

Just completed, the Fumee Mountain Trail is the most difficult and potentially the most satisfying. After a difficult climb to an elevation of 1,520 feet, bikers are rewarded with a view of Fumee Lake to the south and the Pine Creek Bluff Chain to the north. As a bonus, bikers are further rewarded with a 1.25 mile downhill run that terminates near the west parking lot.

Public parking lots are now available on both the east and west sides of the natural area. A 30 car lot and restroom are available on the east.

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