ALPENA TO CHEBOYGAN TRAIL

Symbols

T= Trailhead

P= Parking

R= Restrooms

A= Amenities

At 69 miles the Alpena to Cheboygan Trail is the longest in the TOMTC system and also the least developed in many of its segments. An excellent snowmobile trail in winter, in summer the trail’s heavy ballast and rough gravel make it a challenge for bicyclists. Some segments however, are bikeable with a mountain or hybrid bike.

Recently (2008) the DNR has announced its intention to resurface the entire trail with a targeted completion date of 2011. The surface and appointments would replicate those of the Gaylord to Mackinaw City (now the North Central) Trail that was dedicated in 2008.

The DNR has purchased an adjacent property to accomodate a trailhead where the Alpena to Cheboygan and Gaylord to Mackinaw City Trails come together in Cheboygan. The city has received a Recreation Improvement Fund grant to complete design and engineering of the facility that we expect to be built in 2009..

We are working with the DNR, the Village of Millersburg, and the Millersburg Historical Society to develop a trailhead at the Millersburg Depot. The trailhead, with restrooms and parking, will become part of the new museum in the restored depot. Construction is expected in 2009 or 2010.

Efforts to connect the Rogers City Spur to the Huron-Sunrise Trail continue.

Alpena to Posen

ALPENA (T P R A) TO POSEN. This 17-mile segment runs through farm and forest country to the Village of Posen where there is parking and restrooms. The trail to Rogers City (Rogers City Spur) breaks off the main trail just north of Posen.

Posen to Hawks

POSEN (P R) TO HAWKS: This 10-mile segment passes through mostly wild land with some cultivated areas. Hawks has a business or two that offers amenities and merchandise and a nice trail-side park for trail users to relax.

Hawks to Millersburg

This nine-mile segment passes through scenic country on its way to the Village of Millersburg where the old train depot is being brought back to life as a trail head and history museum. A ride on this segment on a mountain or hybrid bicycle makes for a nice hour or two of riding since the trail surface is in relatively good shape. Millersburg has several businesses with amenities. The Ocqueoc River passes under a notable bridge in downtown Millersburg.

Millersburg to Onaway

MILLERSBURG (P R A) TO ONAWAY. This 9-mile segment is challenging for even mountain bikers although it is not remotely remote. It crosses M 68 just west of Onaway where there is parking and many amenities downtown south of the trail.

Onaway to Aloha State Park

ONAWAY (P R A) TO ALOHA STATE PARK. The trail follows M 68 for two miles to TOWER and then juts abruptly to the northwest en route to the State Park. The 17-mile segment follows the Black River to the Kleber Dam and then tracks through mostly state land that is the wildest and most remote in our entire 259-mile trail system. The trail surface is problematical in many stretches and there are few road crossings until M 33 just south of the park. Inside (and just outside) the park there are good amenities. Aloha State Park sits along the beautiful east side of Mullett Lake that is famous for its sunsets.

Aloha State Park to Cheboygan

ALOHA STATE PARK (T P R A) TO CHEBOYGAN. The 6-miles of this segment are a nearly straight (and bikeable) route through a resort area along the lake and, after Orchard Beach, through mixed farm and forest country to Cheboygan. After the trail crosses over a scenic trestle bridge near Cheboygan it draws ever closer to the Gaylord to Cheboygan Trail that is coming up from the southwest. They come together at the Cheboygan Trailhead just south of downtown on Lincoln Avenue where the City of Cheboygan is planning to construct a proper trailhead at this important junction. There is some parking at the site but most amenities can be found to the north and east in Cheboygan’s downtown where there is plenty to do. For riders continuing to the north on either trail, the trail continues through the city and onto Mackinaw City.

Shortcut to Gaylord to Mackinaw City Trail

SHORTCUT TO GAYLORD TO MACKINAW CITY TRAIL: You can reach the Gaylord to Mackinaw City Trail without going into Cheboygan by taking Riggsville Road west about a mile south of the Cheboygan Trailhead.

Shortcut to Petoskey to Mackinaw City Trail

SHORTCUT TO PETOSKEY TO MACKINAW CITY TRAIL: You can reach the Petoskey to Mackinaw City Trail without going into Mackinaw City in the following way. A mile south of Mill Creek State Park take Hebron Mail Road south to Potter Road. Follow Potter as it goes over I-75 and crosses US 31 where it becomes Linsley Road. From there it is a short distance to the trail. Go left to Petoskey or right to Mackinaw City.

There are also excellent chances for “loop” rides through fairly remote country on local roads from several points along the way.

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