Midland to Mackinac Trail:
Michigan
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Description:
The Midland to Mackinac Trail, an ancient 210-mile Indian footpath, has been restored by members of the Boy Scouts' Auburn-based Lake Huron Area Council No. 265 and other volunteers. A trail reopening and dedication were held in the Spring of 2001 in Midland County.

"The trail is nature at its best," says Joe Bevirt, the Chairman of the Midland to Mackinac Trail Commission, of the hiking and cross country skiing trail stretching from Midland County to Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

For hundreds of years, this trail was used by Native Americans as a seasonal path for hunting, trapping and gathering foodstuffs.

The trail is relatively isolated, passing through parts of only two communities -- Cheboygan and Mackinac City. With few organized campsites along the way, hikers and riders are urged to carry water.

Camping along the trail on public lands is free, but Michigan DNR permits are needed on state land. Maps are available for $2.00 by check made out to the Lake Huron Council BSA and sent to Midland to Mackinac Trail Commission, 1211 Kingsbury Court, Midland, MI 48640-2712.

The Midland to Mackinac Trail is not a "rail-trail."
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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking is available throughout the length of the trail and at both the south and north trailheads.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
Trail use is not recommended from November 15-30 during Michigan's deer firearm season.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Very Nice
By Bob on September 30, 2004
Excellent with lots to see. Also rest stops on the way to Clare.
A Long Walk Planned
By Brandon Nankervis on August 15, 2004
"My brother and I are going to walk ""solo"" from Midland to Mackinac in less then 14 days. If you can give us any info e-mail me at midland_skater4life@yahoo.com.

Thanks!"
Travel through different ecosystems
By Brian Trudeau on August 10, 2004
"I have not done the entire trail, but I would like to complete it one day. The portion that I have hiked has been from the Richard S. Allen park on M-30 to about 10 miles north and east of the park.

The trail was not used very much, so a lot of the time I had to go from tree to tree, following the blue triangles. I had a hard time once following the trail because it went through a swamp and the trail blazes were quite a ways away.

There were different types of ecosystems, like birch-aspen forests, meadows, beaver ponds, and swamps. Part of the section that I hiked through went through some orv trails. I picked some wintergreen, blueberries, and raspberries along the trail. I even saw the rare cardinal flower.

Please email me if you are deciding to hike this trail."
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