North & South Old Mac Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route is a central, intermediate loop at Frozen Head State Park and includes the North Old Mac Trail, South Old Mac Trail, Fire Tower Trail, and Old Mac Trail Connector.

Permits are required for the backcountry campsites.

There are quite a few stream crossings and rocky portions of the trail which means this one is not the best for minimalist shoes (wear something more sturdy).

The South Old Mac Trail is the more strenuous portion of this loop (~1800 ft climb over ~2.5 miles) but taking this trail first leaves a nice 3.5-mile descent back to the trailhead over the North Old Mac Trail.

Enjoy the extended climb as you make your way farther and farther out on the South Old Mac Trail. At the end of this trail, there is a jeep trail (Fire Tower Trail) that runners can take south, which leads up to the fire tower and a nice overlook. The tower is sometimes open to climb, which is a thrill for all runners. Once you've stopped to admire the views, head north to find the North Old Mac Trail. This gentle descent will lead you back to the trailhead and your car.

There is plenty of water to be had along the way, and quite a few backcountry campsites exist in the state park, though a permit is required to stay the night. Tub Spring is located at the end of a 200-yd spur at the crossing of the jeep road and North & South Old Mac Trail.

Mostly deciduous undergrowth with quite a bit of wildflowers in bloom during early spring.