Kalkaska, Grand Traverse and Wexford Counties
Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail
84.9 mi total 40.8 certified 0.0 connecting 44.1 marked 0.0 bare
Michigan's Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail stretches from the Lake Michigan Shore on the west to the Lake Huron shore on the east. Its route across the northern Lower Peninsula traverses some very scenic scenery. Parts of the trail follow two of the state's most scenic rivers, the Boardman and the Ausable. The path lies through stately pines and hardwoods, along forest trails and scenic highways, as well as on dedicated trail in several areas. Hikers should remember that the STS, as it's known, is primarily a horse trail, with hiking being in a distinct second place. In some places, where the trail crosses sandy or loose soils, it can be what even one of Michigan's premier mountian bikers refers to as "a linear sand dune", and walking can be tough, especially while keeping an eye out for horse manure. However, there are few steep, sandy grades along the segment used by the NCT, and the going is usually worst at the base of hills, where erosion has washed the sand down the hill, and at road crossings. Michigan NCTA volunteers have discussed for some time taking the NCNST entirely off the STS, and have even mapped out a route, but it's been decided that, for now, there are higher priorities to deal with.
Once on the STS, there are marker posts at the corners with blue tops and STS markers, which are a footprint inside a horseshoe (very apt!) on a blue background. Assurance markers along the way may be similar, or may only be blue dots. CAMPING: Where trail is located off-road in this section, it's on state forest land, and trailside camping is permitted, as long as it's off the trail. The trail also passes several state forest campgrounds and a couple of private campgrounds. INFORMATION AND MAPS: Michigan mapset, available from the North Country Trail Store, and perhaps county maps are more than adequate to follow this heavily used and well-marked segment. Sketch maps and narrative in the Hutchins Guide are also quite adequate; it's also available from the North Country Trail Store.
0.0 [0.0] TURN WEST ON CR612 (MANISTEE LAKE RD.)
The trail from the north emerges on CR 612, also known as Manistee Lake Road, just east of its intersection with Sunset Trail Road. If the proposed alternate route to the STS is ever built, the NCT will probably head south from this point; for now, it heads west on the paved Manistee Lake Road as a roadwalk. About 2.7 miles into the roadwalk, a picnic area/boat launch on Manistee Lake is passed; in the area are a couple of small general stores. 1.4 miles farther, the crossroads hamlet of Darragh is passed through. At Hagni Road, a mile further west, the STS joins from the south.
5.2 [5.2] CONTINUE WEST ON STS (CR 612)
The STS and the NCT continue to the west, but CR612 has turned to gravel and will quickly deteriorate to a two-track. There are metal gates both east and west of the actual wetland/river area and bridges afford dry passage over both a creek and the Boardman River. The STS/NCT leaves CR612 after 1.6 mile, and certification begins. The trail follows a dirt track to the west, bends to the southwest through rolling to hilly countryside, and comes to a railroad grade after about 3.5 miles. About half a mile further, the trail reaches US131. Kalkaska, MI, is about two miles to the south.
KALKASKA, MI 49646, (Pop 1,952) is the first good place the long distance hiker has had to get supplies since Petoskey. Once basically a lumber and railroad town, it now is mainly in the oil business, and like many northern Michigan towns, dependent to some extent on tourism. As a county seat, it's a commercial center for a large area. LODGING: Several small Mom'N'Pop motels, nothing big enough to get listed in the AAA tourbook. RESTAURANTS:A new McDonalds was there in 1996. There are also several small B/L/D restaurants. GROCERIES: Glen's Supermarket, on the south side of town on US131, is a full service supermarket. OTHER: Laundromat, hardware, sporting goods, doctor, dentist, hospital, pharmacy.
10.3 [5.1] CROSS US31
The trail continues to the west through the woods for about 1.2 miles through rolling countryside covered with second growth timber and pine plantations, then turns south along a dirt track to Kalkaska SFCG, specially set up for horse use, although hikers are welcome. There is a well and toilets, and a fee is charged.
12.0 [1.7] KALKASKA SFCG
The trail heads west-northwest out of the campground, turns to the northwest, and after about a mile reaches, then crosses Rapid River on a gravel road. The trail continues northwest to climb out of the small valley, turns to the west to cross Valley Rd., then swings to the south, and after about .6 miles, mostly level, reaches M72. Kalkaska is 2.6 miles to the east.
14.2 [2.2] CROSS M-72
The trail continues to the south for a short distance, then turns to the west-southwest. After about a mile, it crosses Smith Lake Road. The trail is rather sandy for a short distance past Smith Lake Road; Three miles to the west of it, the trail bends to the south, and after half a mile crosses Island Lake Road.
18.4 [4.2] CROSS ISLAND LAKE RD.
After crossing the road, the trail passes small Island Lake, and turns to the southwest through rolling countryside, with several pine plantations. Two and a half miles later, the trail comes to Guernsey Lake Road. Guernsey Lake State Forest Camp Ground, where there are several camping areas and pit toilets, is about half a mile to the north. Guernsey Lake SFCG is often used by trail riders, although not a part of the linked trail camps. To the west is the Sand Lake Quiet Area, several square miles in which motor vehicles are banned and hike-in camping encouraged. Note: the NCT may be changed to go through this area in the next few years.
21.1 [2.7] GUERNSEY LAKES SFCG
The trail circles the south end of Guernsey Lake, climbs a small ridge, and contines west, About a mile west of the campground, the trail enters Grand Traverse County. The trail continuesup and down along the ridge for the next mile, then descends the ridge through a rolling valley for the next 1.3 miles before reaching Supply Road.
24.3 [3.2] CROSS SUPPLY ROAD
The trail continues to the southwest through rolling to hilly countryside, on a combination of cut trail and old forest sand roads, until reaching Williamsburg Road. Fork SFCG is about a mile to the southeast; fee, picnic tables, pit toilets.
26.6 [2.3] CROSS WILLIAMSBURG ROAD
Pay careful attention to the STS blazes in this area, as many horse trailswander through the woods. The trail turns southwest through hilly countryside high over the Boardman River _ some of the worst walking on the STS, due to loose sand from lots of horse use, then descends a large hill to Schenck's Place Trail Camp, for horse users. Members of the Michigan Trail Riders Association may use the place free; others must pay. A short distance to the west is the Boardman River SFCG, for horse non-users. It has 31 sites, pit toilets, and no showers; a fee is charged. Also nearby, to the east on Brown Bridge Road, is Ranch Rudolf, a resort catering to horse users _ and the reason why the sandy soils in the area are so loose. Traverse City, MI, the biggest town of northern Michigan, is about 12 miles to the northwest, and this is the closest that the trail gets to it.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684 (Pop. 15,200) may well be best known for its cherries _ it's estimated that a third of the world's cherry production comes from orchards near the city, as the cool Lake Michigan climate has proven to be winner for producing them. The population only represents year-round residents; the numbers of people are probably triple or more in the summer. The development has brought an upscale environment to the area, and a lot of money and golf courses, some designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, over 30 in all. Once you look past the development, there is a lot of pretty country, especially north of the city on the Leelenau Peninsula and Old Mission Point. Traverse City is the first town large enough to have specialist outdoor outfitters that the North Country Trail nears since Marquette, in the upper peninsula. Traverse City is also the home of the very active Traverse City Chapter of the NCTA, which does much of the trail maintenance in the region. Contact person for the chapter is Greg Law, 1953 Lardie Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686. No attempt will be made to discuss lodging, restaurants, or groceries, except to say there are many motels ranging from Mom'N'Pop to vast resort developments, many restaurants ranging from fast food and greasy spoons to near the top end of the upscale dining line, and many places to get groceries, ranging from convenience stores to full-service supermarkets. OTHER: Bank, pharmacy, outfitters, hardware, department stores, doctor, dentist, hospital. For further information about the area, contact the Grand Traverse Convention and Visitor's Bureau, 415 Munson Ave., Suite 200, Traverse City, MI, 49685 (800) 872-8377, or FAX (616) 947-2621.
30.0 [3.4] PASS BOARDMAN RIVER SFCG
The main branch of the STS splits off here, and heads to the west. The NCT heads off to the south on the south branch of the STS, which extends southward to near Cadillac, MI. This branch uses woods roads to a greater extent than the main STS, but does not receive as heavy use. From Schenck's place, the trail hops up onto a county road for a short distance to cross the now-substantial Boardman River, then turns south on the trail, almost immediately ascending a steep ridge, with a steeper descent on the south side. Past that, the trail goes through the rolling, second-growth forest before reaching Shauman Road.
31.5 [1.5] CROSS SHAUMAN ROAD
The trail angles to the southeast past the crossing of Mayfield Road, and after about 1.8 miles, angles to the east on an old woods road to cross Hodge Road just north of the intersection with Voice Road, which the trail parallels eastward for about another .8 miles before joining with it, after it has become a rather faint two-rut. 0.7 miles farther, the trail turns south at a gate and heads into the woods.
34.2 [2.7] TURN SOUTH ON MARKED TRAIL
The first of three certifications along this section begins at the gate on Voice Road. The trail heads south-southwest for 1.3 miles, then emerges on the dirt Forest Rd. Certification ends, but the trail continues along the the road southward for another half a mile, where it reaches M186. Two miles to the east is the village of Fife Lake, down a spur trail, which is a snowmobile trail in the winter.
FIFE LAKE, MI 49633 Restaurant
36.9 [2.7] CROSS M186
At the corner of Forest Rd. and M186, the trail angles back off into the woods again, angling southeast on an old woods road. After about 0.8 miles, the STS/NCT crosses Sparling Rd., continues in the same general direction for another 0.7 miles, then joins another old woods road, Revord Road, near the corner of Lake Road and a railroad grade. Spring Lake State Forest Campground is about half a mile to the east; it features 32 sites, pit toilets, no showers, a boat launch, and swimming. To reach it, follow the dirt road NE on the east side of the railroad grade. The STS/NCT follows Revord Road to the south another 1.2 miles, parallels, then crosses US 131, where the south branch of the STS splits off to the southeast.
39.6 [3.0] CROSS US131
Once free of the STS, the NCNST angles to the southward on a treadway built by NCTA volunteers, and it's certified for all but about .4 of the next four miles, and marked with blue diamonds and blue paint blazes _ a lighter blue to differentiate it from the STS. The trails direction is generally south near an abandoned road, briefly turns west on Ramsay Road, (a small country store is located at Walton Junction, about half a mile to the west) then angles off into the woods again. The trail continues through open, fairly flat second growth woods, crossing several small woods roads and jogging back and forth in a general southwestward direction, until reaching the paved County Line Road, and entering Wexford County.
42.6 [2.7] CROSS COUNTY LINE RD.
After crossing County Line Road, the trail continues southward for a short distance, then turns to the west, crossing a couple of old woods roads. After about 1.4 miles, it joins briefly with an old forest road before it emerges on US131 again.
44.8 [2.2] CROSS US131 AGAIN
The trail crosses US131, jogs slightly to the south, briefly follows an old forest road, then follows alongside the river and through a deep ravine, then westward across old 131 to the campground.
45.7 [0.9] REACH OLD US131 CAMPGROUND
The campground, popular with canoeists on the Manistee River, has 19 sites, pit toilets, no showers, and a canoe landing. NCT developers in Michigan struggled with a number of possible options for connecting the NCNST in the Manistee National Forest with the Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail, and, in the early '90s, settled on this route as the easiest, most feasable, and most scenic. It mostly goes on high banks overlooking the Manistee River Valley. There are some steep hills; in the eastern section, where the trail is close to the riverbank, there are sometimes some steep ravines to cross. Despite the relative closeness of the Manistee River in the next 20 miles, the trail hardly ever makes it down to the bank, where the riverbank property is in private hands. As a result it sometimes goes several miles without reaching a water source, but does cross several small creeks. For more information about tourist activities, businesses, lodging, etc., in Wexford County, this section and the northernmost end of the trail in the Manistee NF, than can be included here, contact Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, 222 Lake Street, Cadillac MI 49601, FAX (616) 775-1440.
The trail heads west from the Old US131 SFCG, and shortly afterward crosses a railroad grade, and, a short distance beyond, a clear, cold stream. For the next several miles, it frequently is near the riverbank, and sometimes crosses some steep, deep ravines where the footing is poor. However, the scenic views in this area are worth the trip. Eventually, it leaves the river, and turns north on an old fire break to reach County Line Road.
53.1 [7.4] TURN WEST ON COUNTY LINE RD.
This segment is a roadwalk west for one and a half miles.
55.6 [1.5] TURN SOUTH ON NO. 29 RD.
The roadwalk continues south for another mile. After half a mile, the route passes through the hamlet of Baxter, then continues south. Just north of Baxter Bridge over the Manistee River, the marked trail diverges from the road and heads into the woods on the west. Baxter Bridge SFCG is just south of Baxter Bridge _ a developed campground with pit toilets and fees.
56.7 [1.1] TURN WEST ONTO MARKED TRAIL
The trail north of Baxter Bridge again follows fairly close to the river bank, and sometimes along it, and again sometimes must cross deep ravines. The route is occasionally on high bluffs overlooking the river, making picturesque places to stop for a break or a snack and take in the scenery, or perhaps a campsite.
65.4 [8.7] CROSS ANDERSON CREEK
The trail continues west. Again, it's fairly close to the river, but when the marked route reaches No. 17 Rd., it's the end of the riverwalk.
67.8 [2.4] CROSS NO. 17 RD.
The route continues west on faint old two-ruts and some cut trail from No. 17 Rd. for about two miles, then descends and turns north on an old railroad grade, crossing Wheeler Creek on a plank bridge at its forks; keep an eye out for beaver dams. After Wheeler Creek, the route turns to the west, again on old two-ruts, and after about 3/4 mile emerges onto M-37. The route follows M-37 north for about 200 yards, then turns west on No. 8 road.
71.1 [3.3] TURN WEST ON NO. 8 RD.
This section is a roadwalk, crossing No. 11 road after a mile, No. 9 road a mile farther on and (you guessed it) No. 7 road a mile later. The road swerves around a little bit between Roads 11 and 9, then after passing Road No. 7, swerves around in hilly countryside a bit more. The road descends through a deep ravine, crosses Fletcher Creek, then climbs out the ravine on the other side. Near the top of the hill, a little less than a mile after crossing Fletcher Creek and at the junction of an old two-rut, the trail turns south on cut trail.
75.6 [4.5] TURN SOUTH ON MARKED TRAIL
Right after leaving Road No. 8, the trail goes through a small ravine, and then, about half a mile to the south, a deeper one. It countinues south through the rolling woods, crossing several small ravines, until emerging at M-115 at a roadside parking area, where there are toilets, water, and picnic tables. About 5 1/2 miles to the southeast is the village of Mesick.
MESICK, MI 49668 (Pop. 406) is a frequent jumping-off or first/last restaurant to look forward to on the popular trail in the Manistee National Forest. (No, the locals don't appreciate the wisecrack, "This place makes mesick" _ they've heard it too often.) There is a convenience/party store, and a drive-in restaurant, open in the summer.
79.6 [4.0] CROSS M115
The trail crosses M115, and turns sharply to the west for about a quarter mile, then turns south to reach No. 3 road.
80.0 [0.4] TURN SOUTH ON NO. 3 RD
.The trail heads south on Rd. No. 3 -- which is rather faint, and not heavily used -- and follows it south for a rather rolling mile, then turns west on Rd. No. 16.
81.0 [1.0] TURN WEST ON NO. 16 RD.
The route continues west for another .7 mile as a roadwalk, before the trail turns south at a marked trailhead.
81.7 [0.7] TURN SOUTH ON MARKED TRAIL
The trail heads south from No. 16 road, then angles to the southwest through hilly countryside. About 0.8 mile south of No. 16 Road, it turns south again, crosses a deep ravine, then turns to the west on the far side. After a short distance, it turns to the south again, and enters the Manistee National Forest. There is a potential camping site near a small creek in this area. The trail continues south through hilly country until reaching the Manistee National Forest's Marilla Trailhead, located on Beers Road, where there is long-term parking, and a bulletin board about the trail.
84.9 [3.2] MARILLA TRAILHEAD (BEERS RD.)
Description of this segment ends at this point.