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At Chatham, Michigan take 94 to Hwy 365 aka Eben Rd to 388 Frey Rd follow the signs. An easy day trip from Escanaba, Gladstone, Manistique or Nahma. This is another great Michigan back roads day trip.

 

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Eben Ice Caves

 

The Eben Ice caves are part of the 4,000 plus acre Rock River Wilderness area of the Hiawatha National Forest. The ice caves are high above the river.


The first parts of the trail have been greatly improved. The long hike across the field is no longer necessary.  The trail is steep in places and can be very icy.  Every year people are injured on this trail.  In recent years, the caves have become so well known that weekend visits involve dozens of groups making their way to the ice caves.  Still it is well worth it if you are careful.

While the trail is now easy enough that almost anyone can handle it, it can still be icey. Cleats are strongly recommended. When you finish the hike along the river to the base of the caves cliff, the tough part is still ahead. The cliff is about a 70 degree incline and close to 100 feet high, and it is ice. When you reach the top the giant curtains of ice form the beautiful caves.