Hiking and Biking

Popular with equestrians, hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers, the 220-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail traverses the entire Lower Peninsula. In this area, it skirts the north end of the George Mason River Retreat Area [1], passing through pine plantations, stands of hardwood, and along the gentle Au Sable. Other good area access points include the McKinley Trail Camp in Oscoda [2] and across from the Curtisville Store in Glennie.

The rolling terrain of Crawford County makes for some great mountain biking, and even better, the local tourism council actually encourages it—a rare thing in the Midwest. The Grayling Visitors Bureau (213 N. James St., 800/937-8837, www.grayling-mi.com [3]) recommends the following near Grayling [4]: Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail, a great technical single track that “goes for miles and miles.” Access it where it crosses Military Road, 0.5 mile north of the North Higgins Lake State Park exit off U.S. 27.

Also check out Hanson Hills, a recreation area just outside Grayling, with challenging terrain that includes some sandy stretches, and Wakely Lake, with three loops of 4.5, 5, and 7 miles near this lovely lake.