The Grayling area is well known for its abundance of marked and unmarked trails. With approximately 70 percent of the county state and federally owned and open to the public, there are numerous opportunities for the outdoors enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite outdoor sport.
Protect Michigan trails by not using them when muddy: Riding or walking on a muddy trail destroys the surface. It leaves ruts/deep holes, uneven tire and footprints, contributes to erosion and creates a hard-to-fix trail surface. Hint: If you are leaving visible bicycle ruts, deep footprints or hoof tracks the trail is too muddy.
Biking >>
A variety of terrain and numerous scenic trails for the novice to expert rider have made Crawford County a favorite bikers’ destination.
Cross Country Skiing >>
The Grayling area offers miles of exceptionally well-groomed cross country ski trails for the novice to the expert, and ungroomed, pristine trails for snowshoeing or back-country skiing.
Hiking >>
Some of the best hiking terrain in Northern Michigan is in the Grayling area. There are miles and miles of paved and unpaved trails to hike, and hundreds of acres of state land to explore! Spring and summer will offer the opportunity to watch wildlife in their natural setting, fall is a great time to take photos of the colors of autumn, and the hardy hiker will love the rugged beauty of winter.
Horse Trails >>
Michigan Trail Riders Association helps develop and maintain horse trails in Grayling MI and throughout Michigan. Results of the Association’s efforts include the Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail which winds from Empire on Lake Michigan to Oscoda on Lake Huron. A Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail spur goes south from Grand Traverse County to Cadillac; a second spur goes north from the Frederic/Grayling area into the Pigeon River State Forest near Indian River and Mullet Lake.
ORV’s >>
A variety of terrain and numerous scenic trails for the novice to expert rider have made Crawford County a favorite ORVers destination.
Skijoring >>
If you love skijoring, there are many miles of ungroomed areas near Grayling to enjoy. If you don’t know what skijoring is, or are new to the sport, read below.
Snowmobiling >>
With thousands of acres of State and Federal land made for winter fun, there is no place like Crawford County when it comes to snowmobiling. Marked trails are groomed by the AuSable Valley Snowmobile Association. One of the largest trail systems in the state links the Grayling area with Lovells, Lewiston, Frederic and Gaylord. Other trails connect to Roscommon and Houghton Lake. A full color snowmobile map is available for the area.
Winter Hiking/Ski Walking/Snowshoeing >>
For snow lovers who aren’t interested in snowmobiling or skiing, the Grayling area has other options. Winter hiking, ski walking and snowshoeing are growing in popularity and are a perfect way to either relax, or to have an aerobic workout.
Important Michigan DNR Links
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