Best Day Hiking Place in Indian River, Michigan

If you are a hiking enthusiast and are looking for a new place to explore than the Cochran and Roberts lake area just outside of Indian River, Michigan is a great place to visit. Located just about three miles outside of the town of Indian River, off Old Onaway Road, this area offers dirt roads and two track trails that will give hikers an opportunity to explore new hiking trails, without the worry of getting lost as every trail eventually leads back to the main road.

About the Area

The Cochran-Roberts Lake area is a densely wooded area with two small lakes that are great for bluegill and bass fishing, Free camping, ATV's, and hiking. There are numerous sandy roads crisscrossing through the woods as well as multiple two tracks. It is a quiet area, where if lucky one can observe much of Northern Michigan's wildlife including, deer, squirrels, rabbits, Turkeys, and other small animals.

Located near town, it is a convenient day trip, or a nice place to camp for a night or a week. In the fall the area is alive with the vividly colored trees.

How to Get There

Getting to Cochran-Roberts Lake is simple. Just take exit 310 off the expressway. Turn towards town and drive until you see the Burger King sign. Turn right onto club road, (the road right in front of the Burger King and travel straight until you come to the three way stop.

Turn right again and follow old Onaway road down and around the curve on the gravel part of the road. When you come to the boat access sign on the right you can turn down there or continue on to the next right turn into the woods.

Where to Park

Finding a place to park at Cochran-Roberts lake is as simply as finding an open space big enough to hold your car. There are several campsites scattered throughout the woods that you can park at, as well as the boat ramp access, or small grassy areas. These areas are all conveniently located off the dirt roads that wind throughout the woods, so you can park your car, step out and begin your hike in any direction you choose.

Type of Hiking

Most of the area in this region is pretty flat for hiking so even beginner hikers can enjoy hiking through this scenic area. Since the trails are so numerous, you can take as short or as long a hike as you would like. There are a few low up grades to add a bit of variety but nothing major.

What this area offers in abundance is a chance to get out explore nature in peaceful and quiet surroundings. From time to time you will meet other hikers and a few campers but they are friendly and few and far between.

Indian River is a great little town to visit, and Cochran-Roberts lake is a wonderful area for the hiker to explore either for a day or for longer periods. So why not Take a Hike!