Great Outdoors
Why do people enjoy being up north so much? Find out what makes being up north feel special with our list of Northern Michigan specialties.
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Photo by Travel Marquette
A trail that stretches from North Dakota to New York. Sound intriguing. It should be because this trail, the North Country Trail, passes through Northern Michigan.
The longest hiking trail in the U.S. is managed by the National Park Service and passes through 10 National Forests. It was created in 1980 and may have more pastys per mile than any other national trail!
The trail enters Northern Michigan from the Upper Peninsula and goes through Mackinaw City before entering Wilderness State Park, where it follows the Lake Michigan shoreline. Heading south, the route passes north of Harbor Springs and through Petoskey, Mackinaw State Forest and Pere Marquette State Forest before reaching Manistee National Forest, south of Traverse City. The North Country Trail section from Mackinaw City to Petoskey is 46 miles long.
The trail is perfect for hiking, some camping, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and mountain biking. The terrain varies from flat to rolling with scenic vistas. All four seasons offer beauty along this trail.
In Emmet County, the trail is managed by the Harbor Springs chapter of the North Country Trail. Maps can be found at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce or Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
North Country Trail Association
229 E. Main St., Lowell, MI, 49331
(866) HIKE-NCT
Why do people enjoy being up north so much? Find out what makes being up north feel special with our list of Northern Michigan specialties.
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
Why do people enjoy being up north so much? Find out what makes being up north feel special with our list of Northern Michigan specialties.