Alpena to CheboyganTrailDraft Trail Plan

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ALPENA TO CHEBOYGAN TRAIL  

THIS IS A SNOWMOBILE TRAIL IN WINTER

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.

 There are several developments:The Cheboygan to Mackinaw segment will have an improved packed crushed limestone surface.  Construction has been folded into the Gaylord to Cheboygan resurfacing project and will be completed in summer of 2007. The DNR recently 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 may be built in 2008.  Efforts to connect the Rogers City Spur to the Huron-Sunrise Trail continue.  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.

  • The DNR has received a grant to complete design, engineering, and cost estimates to surface the trail.  Once engineering is complete, a grant will be sought for construction to accommodate mulitple users including, snowmobiling, bicycling, and walking.

     

      


    • Alpena to Posen

    ALPENA (T P R A) TO POSEN.  This 15-mile segment runs through farm and forest country to the Village of Posen where there is parking and restrooms. 

    Posen to Hawks

    POSEN (P R) TO HAWKS.  Just north of town is the junction with the spur that eventually will take users to Rogers City.  The main trail is gravel and ballast to the road junction settlement of Hawks

    Hawks to Millersburg

    HAWKS (P) TO MILLERSBURG. The trail in this 5-mile section is generally in good condition for mountain bikes.  Park downtown on the trail near the old depot and there are plenty of amenities in the village.  A notable bridge spans the famous Ocqueoc River as it flows through town.  The old depot is being restored as a trailhead and historical museum. 

    Millersburg to Onaway

    MILLERSBURG (P R A) TO ONAWAY.  This 5-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 14-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.

    Cheboygan to Mackinaw City

     CHEBOYGAN (T P R A) TO MACKINAW CITY (T P R A).  (Map 4) This 14-mile segment is part of a nearly 2 million dollar project slated for 2006 to pave with crushed limestone the entire trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City.  Running entirely along the west side of US 23, this trail features some pleasing views of Lake Huron through the trees and across the highway.  Mill Creek State Park can be an interesting family destination from either end of this segment.  Currently, when the trail improves to high grade crushed limestone you know you are drawing close to Mackinaw City and the DNR Trailhead.  A consortium of interested parties is planning to construct a shelter and kiosk at the trailhead that is currently just a parking lot for cars and bicycles.  It’s off the Straits Highway on the driveway to the Mackinaw Crossings parking lot.  Mackinaw City has long been the gateway to Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula, but is now a fabulous destination resort in its own right with many top attractions for the entire family.  It does not lack for amenities.  Don’t fail to visit historic Fort Michilimackinac at the bridge.  For bicyclists, from the DNR Trailhead you can also turn south onto the trail to Petoskey on the Petoskey to Mackinaw City Trail.)

    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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