A Quick Jaunt

Sturgeon River Preserve  The character of this property is wild:  the old cedar and hardwood swamps, mossy forest floor and a huge number of upland maples bearing elk rubs, marks from one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. Bull elk use small trees to remove the velvet from their antlers creating “rubs,” which are frequently seen in this area.  Enjoy a .75 mile hike, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and similar low-impact activities at this preserve.  A boardwalk along the river was added in 2019, adding convenience to this short but scenic stretch of the trail.  Take Old 27 North to Whitmarsh Road and go east three miles. Parking is available along the road. 

Five Lakes Natural Area  Owned by Gaylord Community Schools and managed by the Otsego Conservation District, Five Lakes Natural Area is always open to the public for non-motorized activities such as picnics, leisurely strolls, walking your dog,  hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and wildlife viewing.  This natural area offers 1.1 miles of narrow flat trails.  Take M-32 west to Murner Road. Turn right on Murner Road and travel north until you reach Five Lakes Road (1 mile). Turn left onto Five Lakes Road and follow it for approximately 0.5 miles until you see the Gaylord Community Schools sign on your right.

A Bit Longer

Pickerel Lake Pathway  Looking for a pleasant 2-mile loop with frequent lake views?  Meander through an old pine forest and cedar swap while enjoying the beauty of Pickerel Lake.  The trailhead is located in the Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground.  From Vanderbilt take East Sturgeon Valley Rd, turn left onto Pickerel Lake Rd.

Big Bear Lake Pathway  Big Bear Lake Pathway is 2.5 miles long and consists of two interconnected loops with most of the trail north of Bear Lake Road.  This trail is perfect for wildlife viewing, as there are 2 active beaver ponds along the route.  The trailhead is in the Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground, which means hikers can also make use of park amenities including a swimming area, boat launch, picnic tables and campsites.  Take M-32 east from Gaylord.  In Vienna Corners, turn right onto Meridian Line Rd.  Turn right onto Big Bear Lake Drive.  Turn left into the first campground entrance.  Your trailhead will be at the left end of the park from the entrance and the day-use parking area is next to the trailhead.

Louis M Groen Nature Preserve  The former home to both the Johannesburg Manufacturing Company and Echo Valley Resort, this property offers over 11 miles of hiking trails spread throughout 764 acres.  Winding throughout the preserve, you’ll encounter forests, meadows and lovely Johannesburg Lake, along with historical remnants of the former lumber camp.  Follow M-32 East to the new trailhead off Heatherton Road in Johannesburg.

Pine Baron Pathway  If a short, family outing is what you’re looking for, the Pine Baron Pathway is only six miles from the heart of Gaylord. This system of gently rolling to flat terrain has four short loops which average two miles each. The total outside loop is only 6.25 miles, so it makes for a nice hike with children. There are several benches along the way for resting, as well as some nice clearings perfect for a trailside picnic. All the trails are clearly marked and easy to follow through peaceful pine forests and mixed hardwoods. Wildlife abounds, so keep your eyes open for the natural inhabitants of the Pine Baron Pathway.  To reach it, take Otsego Lake Drive west to Old Alba Road, continue west to Lone Pine Road and go north to the trailhead. 

Pigeon River Country State Forest

All Of The Above

This vast land, which Ernest Hemingway called the “pine barrens east of Vanderbilt,” and what Michigan pioneer conservationist P.S. Lovejoy liked to call “The Big Wild,” is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi.  It also forms a major part of the watershed for three of Michigan’s premier trout streams, the Sturgeon, Pigeon and Black Rivers.  The Pigeon River Country State Forest’s expansive 114,000 acres offers a unique wilderness experience with some of the best hiking in Michigan. Certain trails are also available to mountain bikes.

High Country Pathway  Feeling ambitious? Ready for some real wilderness adventures? Pack your gear, head north through Vanderbilt, then take Sturgeon Valley Road east to the High Country Pathway. High Country is an 80+ mile loop that meanders east through Pigeon River Country, Thunder Bay State Forest and Black Lake State Forest. With rustic camping available at several points along the way, an ambitious hiker can cover the trail in 7-10 days. The terrain is varied, taking in scenic vistas, challenging hills, stream crossings and thick growth.

Shingle Mill Pathway  If you would like just a taste of the High Country experience, check out the Shingle Mill Pathway. It is a popular trail system that begins at the Pigeon Bridge Campground, just off Sturgeon Valley Road, 11 miles east of Vanderbilt. The shortest of the five-segment pathway is 3/4 mile and the longest stretches for 12 miles. Trail difficulty increases with the length of each trail, with some steep terrain along the 6, 10 and 12-mile stretches.

A waterproof trail Map is available at the Pigeon River Country State Forest’s Visitor Center or our Gaylord Area Information Center at 319 West Main Street in downtown Gaylord.