Alligator Eye

The silhouette of this long hill really does look like an alligator when seen from the opposite shore of Lake Gogebic. A pleasant east shore vantage point is the state's little roadside park and boat launch on East Shore Drive. A prominent rock face looks like the alligator's eye, giving the hill its name. It's part of the Ottawa National Forest.

A short hiking trail—steep, but easy enough for most—leads through a mixed hardwood and conifer forest up to the summit. The reward is a long view across the lake to the east. It's especially beautiful in fall color season. Snowmobilers enjoy the view by riding up the back of the bluff.

On M-64 about two miles south of Lake Gogebic State Park and about 6 miles north of U.S. 2. Look for a parking area, big enough for busses, on the road away from the lake. Handicap-accessible: no.

Return to Bergland and Lake Gogebic

BERGLAND AND LAKE GOGEBIC
POINTS OF INTEREST

Bergland Cultural Center. A useful center for visitor information for the million-acre surrounding national forest is also a nice place for a picnic or walk ... more

Bergland-Matchwood Historical Society Museum. Old stuff from the area's farms, schools, and timber cutting past as well as a gift shop with local paintings ... more

Trap Hills hikes. Exceptionally fine day hikes in a remote part of a huge forest which features extraordinary panoramic knobs along high bluffs ... more

Backroads forest drive to Victoria and Rockland. Rugged back road through the Trap Hills to Victoria Dam, Old Victoria mining ghost town, and picturesque Rockland. ... more

Lake Gogebic County Park. Pleasant county park on Ice House Bay has a swimming beach, picnic area, fishing dock, boat launch, and campground. ... more

Lake Gogebic State Park. There's a beach, campground, and a choice hillside nature trail up into large old-growth maples and hemlocks, with outstanding spring wildflowers. ... more

Alligator Eye. Landmark hillside on Lake Gogebic's west shore has a short, steep trail to the top, with a long view east. Beautiful in fall; a snowmobilers' favorite. ... more

Lake Gogebic West Shore Road Parks. A scenic drive punctuated by two parks with swimming beaches and picnic areas, and two memorable hillside hikes. ... more

Lake Gogebic's East Shore Road. 19-mile scenic drive includes birding spots, an elk pen, and a picnic area with a fine view across Lake Gogebic to Alligator Eye. ... more

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