Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail

This trail consists of 35 miles of mostly dirt and cinder trail that passes through Conway, Oden, Ponshewaing, Alanson, Brutus, Pellston, Van, Levering, and Carp Lake to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trailhead in Mackinaw City. DNR is currently working to fill in the "gaps" in the trail between Oden and Alanson. The surface is currently "unimproved" railroad ballast and gravel. Some sections are in excellent shape while others are tough going for the cyclist. However, on balance the entire trail is bikeable with a hybrid or mountain bike. Carp Lake and Mackinaw City on the north end are especially suitable as staging areas for off trail excursions onto lightly traveled local (paved and gravel) roads, some of which connect to the Cheboygan to Mackinaw City segment of the Gaylord to Mackinaw City Trail.

Access Description: Trail Heads, Parking & Wheelchair access On the south end of the trail there is a small parking lot and restrooms at Round Lake Preserve on the north side of M-119. There is a trailhead alongside the trail at the Michigan Fisheries Visitors Center in the town of Alanson. Additional parking is available at Pellston at the old rail depot and on side streets in several other small towns along the way. On the north end of the trail there is a sizeable trailhead for parking and restrooms in the mall next to the trailhead Directions: From the south take US-31 north through Petoskey to M-119. Go west on M-119 for about ½ mile to park on right side. From the north take US-31 south from Mackinaw City to M-119 just on the north end of Petoskey. Go to the west on M-119 for about a ½ mile to the park on your right.