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Trails in Gaylord, Michigan

Experience all that is northern Michigan by hiking, biking, x-country skiing or snowshoeing our scenic trails. The Gaylord area abounds with pathways for outdoor enthusiasts of every age and skill level. From meandering through meadows to climbing ridges overlooking valleys, you’ll find endless miles of All Outdoors exploration in Gaylord, Michigan.

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Resources for Trails

Our FREE Trails Brochure highlights 11 terrific trails in the Gaylord area, but there’s so much more to explore! Whether trekking out by bike, foot or snowshoe, you’ll want to check out these outstanding resources to find the trail that suits you best.

Michigan Trail Maps
Up North Trails
State Designated Trails
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Biking For All Surface Preferences

From mountain biking EPIC trails in the Pigeon River Country State Forest to leisurely rides along the newly finished Iron Belle Trail extension (part of the North Central Trail), Gaylord has a pathway for all cyclists. We’ve even drawn from our own experiences to put together a few of our favorite routes on the pavement to help you tour the best locations throughout our county.

Local Trails
On The Pavement
On The Dirt
On The Snow

Hiking

Get up close and personal with nature by hiking the thickly-forested trails in Gaylord, Michigan. We’ve separated several of our favorite pathways into categories based on distance and stamina to help you choose your adventure level. Whether you’re looking for a quick picnic along the Sturgeon River or a week-long backpacking trip, we know just where you’ll want to explore!

A Quick Jaunt
A Bit Longer
The Long Haul

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The snow certainly doesn’t mean trails are off-limits! While several of your favorite warm-weather areas are groomed in the winter for x-country skiing, you can also venture out for some trailblazing fun with your trusty snowshoes!

Links to Local Trail Maps
Groomed Trail Recommendations
Moonlight Excursions

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North Central State Trail

Fairview
Gaylord, MI 49735

Website

This crushed limestone trail runs all the way from Gaylord to Mackinaw City
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Pigeon River Country State Forest

9966 Twin Lakes Road
Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Website

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Pickerel Lake Pathway

Pickerel Lake Rd
Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Website

2 mile loop. Trail head is in the Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground.
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Big Bear Lake Pathway

Big Bear Lake Drive
Johannesburg, MI 49751

Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website

2.5 Mile Pathway. Trail head is in the Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground.
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Spring Brook Pathway

Boyne Falls, MI 49713

Website

Spring Brook Pathway is a somewhat obscured trail, hidden among the heavily wooded Chandler Hills
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Warner Creek Pathway

East Jordan, MI 49727

Located 15 miles west of Gaylord on M-32, 1 1/2 miles west of Us 131 in Antrim County.
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Jordan Valley Pathway

Dead Man's Hill Rd.
Elmira, MI 49730

Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website

This 18.8-mile trek is a loop, eliminating complicated transportation arrangements.
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Pine Baron Pathway

Lone Pine Rd.
Gaylord, MI 49735

Located 6 miles west of Gaylord off Old Alba Road in Otsego County. DNR Mackinaw State Forest.
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Aspen Park

239 Commerce Blvd.
Gaylord, MI 49735

Phone: (989) 732-4060
Website

Paved and unpaved trails for walking, biking and in-line skating
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Five Lakes Natural Area

Five Lakes Rd
Gaylord, MI 49735

Phone: (989) 732-4021
Website

Owned by Gaylord Community Schools and managed by Otsego Conservation District
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Wildwood Hills Pathway

Indian River, MI 49749

Website

Located in the upland forests along the hilly border of Cheboygan and Emmet Counties
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Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve

2043 Gingell Road
Johannesburg, MI 49751

Phone: (989) 732-6521
Website

The Groen Nature Preserve is a gift to the residents of Otsego County and has 764 beautiful acres.
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Buttles Road Pathway

Lewiston, MI 49756

Located 4 miles north of Lewiston on Buttles Road in Montmorency County. DNR Mackinaw State Forest. Click here for Map complete details. Trail Fees: Donation 10 K Trail for Novice and Intermediate...
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Deadman's Hill Loop

Dead Man's Hill Rd.
Mancelona, MI 49659

Website

A small taste of the Jordan Valley Pathway
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Shingle Mill Pathway

Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Website

If you would like just a taste of the High Country experience, check out the Shingle Mill Pathway
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High Country Pathway

9 miles E of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon
Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Phone: (989) 785-4388
Website

High Country is a 70-mile loop that meanders east through Pigeon River Country...
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