What better opportunity to experience solitude or companionship, recreation or challenge, than to meander down the trail of Roscommon County.
Lost Twin Lakes Pathway
AuSable State Forest | S Reserve Road - Houghton Lake, MIPhone: (989) 821-6125Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing, BikingTrail Length: 3.3 MilesDirections to Trailhead: 7 miles south of Houghton Lake via M-55 & Reserve Rd (County Road 401).
This 3 mile loop trail winds through an old growth pine forest. Designed for hiking and cross-country skiing this trail has several bridges, including a covered bridge. The trail contains scenic overviews of pristine wetlands areas.
Download Map - 'Lost Twin Lakes Pathway' pdf 2.17mb
Marl Lake
South Higgins Lake State Park | 106 State Park Drive - Roscommon, MI 48653Phone: (989) 821-6374Use: Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing
In the area around Marl Lake there are three loop trails: Green Trail - 2 miles of trail, Red Trail - 3.5 mile loop much of it on the edge of the lake, Blue Trail - 5.5 mile loop with half of it along the edge of the lake.
Download Map - 'Marl Lake Trails' pdf 211 kb
North Higgins Lake State Park Trails
11747 N Higgins Lake Drive - Roscommon, MI 48653Phone: (989) 821-6125
Consists of 3 loops through scenic wooded areas. The hiking trails are located across the road from the camping and beach areas behind the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum area.
Upland Nature Trail (1.5 miles)
An Upland Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile trail which consists of hardwoods, pine and meadow areas. It also contains 27 fitness stations which describe a defined set of fitness activities that can be done along the trail.
Bosom Pines Trail (3.8 miles)
Bosom Pines Trail is a 3.8 mile trail that winds through gently rising uplands areas of pine and hardwoods.
Beaver Creek Trail (6.5 miles)
The Beaver Creek Trail is 6.5 miles of trail similar to the Bosom Pines Trail, offering a range of scenery.
Download Map - 'North Higgins Lake State Park Trails' pdf 275 kb
Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve
209 Maplehurst - Roscommon, MI 48653Phone: (989) 275-3217
Peaceful hiking trails amongst mature white and red pine forest and cedar swamp. This is an area working to protect habitat and wildlife forever. The Preserve is open to the public from dawn until dusk. One trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Download Map - 'Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve Trails' pdf 20 kb
Skinner Park
8555 Knapp Road - Houghton Lake (at Roscommon Twp hall)
New half mile trail through the pine trees - also nice for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. A fitness trail is located at Skinner Park and is accessible from the Roscommon Township Hall parking lot on Knapp Road in Houghton Lake.
Tisdale Triangle
½ mile from Roscommon via M-18 and Tisdale Road
Woodland areas of natural-groomed trails, the Tisdale Triangle is this stretch of trail is 8.5 miles and designed for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Lansing Road
4 miles of Lansing Road between M18 and Flint Road(Dedicated as a Natural Beauty Road)
It contains a large tract of natural white birch (which is believed to be the largest in Michigan). This large tract of land is traversed by the quietly flowing Cut River. A small bridge on Lansing Road allows fishing along the Cut River.
Mason Tract Pathway
North entrance - 15 miles east of Grayling on M-72South entrance - about 5 miles north of Roscommon on Chase Bridge Rd. just off of M-18Phone: (989) 348-6371
The trail is about 11.5 miles long, created for hiking and biking. This trail is part of the Mason retreat, which was donated to the state by the family of George Mason with the stipulation that this area remains forever a wilderness area. The Mason tract contains the ruins of the Durant Castle; it also contains a beautiful wilderness chapel.
Download Map - 'Mason Tract Pathway' (Michigan DNR) pdf 561 kb
Hartwick Pines State Park
4216 Ranger Road - GraylingPhone: (989)348-7068
With an area of 9,672 acres, Hartwick Pines is the largest State Park in the Lower Peninsula. The park's rolling hills are built of ancient glacial deposit and overlook the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River. It also has four small lakes and unique timberlands. The principal feature of this park is the 49-acre forest of Old Growth Pines, which gives the park its name. There is also a logging museum ¼ mile away from the Visitor Center which brings the logging industry into new light from one of Michigan’s largest remaining stands of virgin white pine.
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.
Visit Trails
Michigan DNR
Use the map to find new locations for trail adventures.
