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Grayling Visitors BureauLodging and Local Attractions |
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A variety of terrain and numerous scenic trails for the novice to expert rider have made Crawford County a favorite mountain bikers' destination.
The Rayburn property on North Down River Road is a scenic trail open to the public. This combination 2 mile paved trail and two-track winds down to the AuSable River where bikers can cross on a primitive bridge and continue to M-72 East.
The Wakeley Lake non-motorized area consists of 3 loops, 4 1/2, 5 and 7 miles in length. The terrain is well suited for the novice/intermediate with 0% steep, 25% hilly, 55% moderate and 20% flat. Wakeley Lake is a gem and home of the Loon.
The Hanson Hills Bike Trails begin at the left of the Cross Country Ski Lodge following the Little Smokey around the pond. Approximately 3/4 miles of flat trail take you to the first single track hill climb. The opening stretch is a little sandy. This exciting trail has a four mile loop and a one mile loop which was added the spring of 1998. Lots of fun down hills and beautiful terrain and wildlife make this a great trail system for the intermediate to expert riders. Hanson Hills hosts The Fat Tire Festival the first weekend in June each year.
For easy biking, riders may be interested in Hartwick Pines State Park trails. The three trails are 3, 5, and 7.5 miles in length. Hartwick Pines provides a campground with full facilities including grills, tables, restroom facilities, and electric hook-ups. For more information call 989-348-7068.
Any designated snowmobile trails are open to riding, with the exception of the ORV trail West of Grayling on M-72. In general, public lands are completely open to biking, with the exception of the ORV trails and the very few areas marked as off-limits.
The Grayling area offers lightly traveled country roads with a variety of terrain for the paved biking aficionado. For details, and suggested routes, call or visit the Bicycle Shop or the Woodland Motor Lodge.
| Area Name | length | difficulty comments by Dick Fultz of the Bicycle Shop |
terrain | trail fee |
| Cross Country Ski Headquarters | 8 loops, 1km to 8 km | novice to advanced | 5% hilly, 40% moderate, 45% flat | yes |
| Hanson Hills Recreation Area | loops of 2km to 12km | novice to advanced | 60% hilly, 30% moderate, 10% flat | yes |
| Hartwick Pines State Park | 18+ miles | novice to intermediate "one of the nicest trail systems in the state." |
3% steep, 7% hilly, 60% moderate, 30% flat | yes |
| North Higgins Lake State Park | 10+ miles | novice to intermediate "Great area for biking - hilly enough to keep it interesting." |
20% hilly, 30% moderate, 50% flat | yes |
| Rayburn's | 2 miles of paved trail | novice "2 mile point to point trail that crosses the AuSable River on a wooden bridge." |
100% flat | no |
| Shore to Shore Riding/Hiking Trail | across the state | advanced | various/sugar sand areas | no |
| Tisdale Triangle | 9+ miles | novice to intermediate | 80% moderate, 20% flat | yes |
| Wakeley Lake | 16+ miles | novice to intermediate "Crawford County's Walden Pond - it is a sanctuary of nature & quiet." |
25% hilly, 55% moderate, 20% flat | yes |