Delirium Wilderness

Located in the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan.

The Delirium Wilderness is located in Chippewa County, Michigan. It lies 22 air miles southwest of Sault Ste. Marie. The village of Rudyard lies 3 miles to the southeast. Delirium is bounded on the north by Forest Roads 3130 and 3352 and on the south by Forest Road 3131. The Lake Superior State Forest borders the area on the east. Three miles to the north is State Highway M-28 at Raco.

The Delirium area is administered as a part of the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Human influence is apparent in the area. Past strip cutting of cedar trees is evident in some areas of swamps. Old stumps and former roadways from early 1900's logging are also apparent. The Sylvester Dam and its access are situated within the heart of the wilderness, geographically, yet are excluded from it by the designated boundary. The earthen dam was installed about 18 years ago and is natural appearing, as is the 80-acre pond.

The landscape, which was formed from old glacial lakes, is flat to rolling with elevations ranging from 590 to 890 feet. Two water bodies are found in the area: 80-acre Sylvester Pond and the six-acre Delirium Pond. Overall character of the land can be described as swamp.

As the headwaters for the Pine and Waiska Rivers, these wetlands serve to help recharge the aquifer, filter and retain nutrients and sediments (purify the headwaters), and provide habitat for waterfowl and furbearing wildlife species. Tree species within the area include swamp conifers, aspen and white cedar in the wetlands and red pine and jack pine in drier areas.

Wildlife predominant in the area includes: beaver, bobcat, otter, ducks, loons, great blue heron and some sandhill cranes. Whitetail deer, black bear and rabbits are also common species found in the area. To protect nesting areas of waterfowl species visitors are discouraged from using Delirium in the spring and early summer.

Current recreation use is primarily hunting and trapping. The thickly forested swamps, surface water and biting insects limit other forms of recreation. For those willing to face these challenges the area's vast acreage enhances the potential for experiencing a feeling of solitude. In wintertime, visitors may discover a greater ease of travel freedom from insects and quiet. The Delirium area may also appeal to the person who appreciates and wishes to study plants and animals associated with wetland types.

There are no marked pathways in the Delirium Wilderness. Expert orientation skills are needed to find one's way into and out of the area. To fully experience the wilderness value of the area a visitor should have a genuine interest in the study of wetlands and the ability to endure some physical discomfort.

For more information contact: The Hiawatha National Forest