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The Gaylord Area spans across the rugged central plateau of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This region not only includes vast tracts of public land – the Pigeon River Country State Forest, Mackinaw State Forest and several state parks – but also the headwaters of Michigan’s most famous trout streams, the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi River and some of the highest elevations south of the Mackinac Bridge.
Such qualities make the Gaylord Area a popular destination for trail users. Throughout much of the year hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and morel mushroom hunters can find a variety of trails to enjoy, ranging from wilderness-like routes in the Pigeon River Country to rail-trails that span 62 miles from Gaylord to Cheboygan to Mackinaw City.
Come winter few regions in Michigan, and none in the Lower Peninsula, can match the area’s consistently cold temperatures and snow. Gaylord itself boasts the highest elevation of any city in the Lower Peninsula at 1,390 feet and averages more than 160 inches of snow in the winter. Michigan's record low, a minus 51 degrees in 1934, was recorded in the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
The Gaylord Area not only receives more snow but holds onto its base longer, much to the delight of winter enthusiasts. Blessed with a lot of snow and a wide variety of trails, Nordic skiers and snowshoers often enjoy seasons that begin in November and lasts until early April.
Location Map of Gaylord Area Trails
Hiking
Aspen Paved Trails
Au Sable Trail
Big Bear Lake Pathway
Deadman's Hill Loop
Mertz Grade Trail
Ocqueoc Falls Pathway
Old Growth Trail
Pickerel Lake Parthway
Sinkholes Pathway
Mountain Biking
Aspen Single Track
Buttles Road Pathway
Hartwick Pines SP Ski/Bike Trail
North Central State Trail
Ocqueoc Falls Pathway
Pine Baron Pathway
Warner Creek Pathway/Pinney Bridge
Backpacking
Honeymoon Cabin
Jordan River Pathway
Nordic Siking
Aspen Park Ski Trails
Buttles Road Pathway
Forbush Corner
Hartwick Pines SP Ski/Bike Trail
Pine Baron Pathway
Spring Brook Pathway
Warner CreekPathway
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