Aspen Park hike and bike trails Located just a few blocks south of downtown Gaylord, Aspen Park has several paved pathways for bikers or hikers and an unpaved mountain bike trail to take in the fall colors. From downtown Gaylord take South Otsego Avenue south and turn east on Commerce Boulevard.

Gaylord to Mackinaw City Rail-Trail System Bike or hike along this 62-mile crushed limestone trail which takes in lakes, rivers, woodlands and open farmland.

The trailhead is located in Gaylord on Fairview Road just west of North Center Avenue and in Vanderbilt the trail is accessible from Main Street just east of Old 27 North.

Jordan River Pathway at Deadman’s Hill  Panoramic views of the Jordan River Valley can be found atop Deadman’s Hill which is the starting point for two hiking trails. Day hikers can follow a two-and-a-half-mile pathway and an 18-mile backpacking trail winds its way through the river valley. Directions: From Gaylord take M-32 west through Elmira and turn south on US-131 then west on Deadman’s Hill Road.

Shingle Mill Pathway The popular Pigeon River Forest hiking trail, which begins at the Pigeon Bridge campground, is 11 miles east of Vanderbilt on Sturgeon Valley Road in the Pigeon River Country. There are five trails to choose from ranging from three-quarters of a mile to 12 miles.

Hartwick Pines State Park The park is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula and has six trails open to hiking and mountain biking. The one-and-a-quarter mile Old Growth Forest trail is always popular and the Weary Legs trail at seven-and-a-half miles long will give anyone a good workout. Directions from Gaylord: I-75 south to exit 259 then three-miles north on M-93.

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