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The High Country Pathway's little brother.


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Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.2

KM

Singletrack

1,047' 319 m

High

873' 266 m

Low

357' 109 m

Up

366' 112 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

Three loop options include river views, towering mature hardwood forests and pine plantations. The 10-mile loop is very popular with a stop at Section 4 lake and it's deep blue water and storybook scenery you'll notice in the pictures. All loops end up riding back to the trailhead on a quarter mile long boardwalk in dark cool cedar forest that runs along the Pigeon River.

If you like a more remote trail experience, where you have an opportunity to see a completely undeveloped forest that's home to elk, bear, bobcat and more, the Shingle Mill has exactly what you are looking for. The Shingle Mill Pathway offers a beautiful glimpse of the Pigeon River State Forest sharing some of the best terrain of it's larger brother, the High Country Pathway.

You can either ride the complete 11-mile loop, or shorten it by using the Shingle Mill 6-Mile Cutoff, or the Shingle Mill 10-Mile Cutoff.

The trailhead is located on Sturgeon Valley Road across from the Pigeon Bridge campground outside of Vanderbilt, MI by roughly 10 miles. Parking is across from the campground and the trail start is located within the campground itself.

An alternate trailhead is at 9966 Twin Lakes Rd, Vanderbilt, MI. Parking is available next to the forest headquarters building.

Contacts

Shared By:

glen ruczynski

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 12 votes

#11096

Overall
  3.8 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#219

in Michigan

#11,096

Overall
10 Views Last Month
4,502 Since Jul 2, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
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92%
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8%
0%

Photos

Wood plank bridges elevate a portion of the trail to keep off mossy undergrowth. Makes for a fun, scenic ride!
Nov 14, 2016 near Gaylord, MI
Paul Bunyan Punch Bowl.
Nov 14, 2016 near Gaylord, MI
View from bridge crossing
Oct 8, 2019 near Gaylord, MI
The trail passes along the edge of Grass Lake
Oct 8, 2019 near Gaylord, MI
A creek flowing into Grass Lake.
Nov 14, 2016 near Gaylord, MI
View of a bend in the Pigeon River.
Nov 14, 2016 near Gaylord, MI

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