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Whether lounging at the beach, dipping in to cool off or paddling along a forested shoreline, we are naturally drawn to water. When you need a true escape into nature coupled with the peace that only water can bring, seek out the Pigeon River Country State Forest’s coveted sinkhole lakes.

If you’ve never visited one of Gaylord, Michigan’s sinkhole lakes, add it to the top of your to-do list. Not only is venturing out into The Pigeon an adventure in its own right, but the sinkhole lakes add an extra splash of intrigue. Aqua and turquoise on the surface, these small forest lakes take a serious plunge in the center, some reaching depths of 60 feet. When considering most of these glimmering gems are comparable in size to your average pond, that’s an impressive number.

Here’s what you need to know to embark on your own sinkhole lake adventure:

Getting There

This is the biggie – you’ll need a map. You can pick up maps of the Pigeon River Country State Forest at their headquarters or our Visitor’s Center located downtown. The lakes aren’t too hard to find if you know where to look. 

Access Points

Viewing the sinkhole lakes and accessing them are two very different objectives. If you want the up close and personal experience, be prepared for some walking with a steep decline at the end. Section 4, Lost, North Twin and South Twin Lakes aren’t far from the main road and have a solid footpath with a steep finish down to the water’s edge. North Twin and Lost Lakes have log stairs built into their trails. West Lost requires a bit more two-tracking but is reachable and has a flatter entry. You’ll need to hike in to find Devil’s Soup Bowl.

Fishing

These lakes are a unique treasure in our area, so it’s no surprise we want to protect them. Several are stocked annually by the DNR and fishing is permitted, with restrictions. Only non-motorized boat use is allowed and artificial bait is required. See the Discovery Center’s website for more specific information on fishing.

Floating

On a hot summer day, there’s no doubt you’ll be tempted to jump in and cool off…and you can. Lost Lake and Section 4 Lake are popular for relaxing in a tube. Erosion is an issue and to preserve the natural state of these lakes, you should follow designated trails and carry (don’t drag) anything you need to bring. Trails are steep, and trust us, you won’t want to bring anything unnecessary. Adventurous people have even given snorkeling in Section 4 a try!

You don’t have to fish or float on the sinkhole lakes to appreciate them. The viewing areas are rewarding enough and make an excellent photo. Spend a day out exploring The Pigeon, bring a blanket and picnic lunch, maybe get your toes wet…it’s always an adventure.