Old Indian Black Arrow Loop

The Black Arrow Loop is the hillier circuit in the Old Indian Trail system. The full route from the M-22 parking lot is about 2.5 miles, returning to its start; allow around 1.5 hours at an unhurried pace. The two posted figures differ: each arrow loop is listed at 2.3 miles, while the Old Indian entry appears as 2.5. The mapped Black Arrow circuit from the lot measures just over 2.5, so plan on 2.5 and extra walking if you take the shore spur. Black Arrow has steep hills and sharp curves; choose Green Arrow if you want the gentler, flatter loop.

A short shared approach connects the parking lot with the loop and is retraced on the way back. Follow the marked Black Arrow route at junctions; it is separate from Green Arrow. The optional Lake Michigan spur branches off the loop through low beach dunes to the shore. The park lists that spur at 0.2 mile but does not say whether that is one way or round trip, so it is not included in the mapped 2.5-mile circuit.

The unpaved path follows tree-covered dune ridges. Expect short steep rises and sharp turns, with shade from mixed maple, aspen, oak and birch and sections of hemlock and pine. The wooded crests are ancient dunes marking a post-glacial shoreline of Lake Michigan. Look for fungi, wildflowers and dune plants; autumn brings varied leaf color.

The broader history is that Indigenous people established paths along this coast between fishing and camping places. No community or date is identified, so treat that as broad context rather than a precisely dated reconstruction of this route.

The gravel Old Indian Trailhead lot is off M-22 north of Sutter Road; watch for its entrance, which can be easy to pass. A vault toilet is available, but there is no water at the lot. Bring water and warm-weather insect repellent. Dogs are allowed on the trail from April 1 through November 30; they are prohibited December 1 through March 31 and are not allowed on the beach.