Alpena to Hillman Trail

Open

A rustic rail-trail west from Alpena toward Hillman — also known as the Paxon Spur — popular with snowmobilers in winter and open to all non-motorized users.

Length

13.5 mi

Surface

Dirt · cinder · ballast

From

Alpena → Hillman

Allowed

Snowmobile · non-motorized

Map & Directions

Find your way to the trail

The trail follows an abandoned rail grade from Alpena west toward Hillman.

Alpena to Hillman Trail Open

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About the Trail

The Paxon Spur

The Alpena to Hillman Trail (also known as the Paxon Spur) is an abandoned rail grade that is primarily used by snowmobiles in the winter, although all non-motorized users may use the trail. The surface is dirt, cinder, and ballast.

Gates along the route can make the trail look closed — feel free to walk or bike around the gates.

Improvement Project

Upgrading the Alpena → Lachine section

The DNR’s funded improvement project covers 13.5 miles of trail from Franklin Street in the City of Alpena to M-65. The drafted scope includes:

Asphalt with lighting for the first .7 mile within the city limits (Franklin Street to Bagley Street), matching the City’s lighting system.
Crushed packed limestone for the remaining 12.8 miles (Bagley Street to M-65).
A longer-span replacement bridge over the South Branch of the Thunder Bay River.
Renovation and widening of the bridge over Bean Creek.
A fix for the King Creek drainage problem, plus safety signs, access control, benches, and wayfinding signs.

The project was delayed by MDOT because of issues with bridge construction and other budget problems; design work resumes once those are resolved.

Get Involved

Help keep this trail open

Trails are built and maintained by volunteers and donors. Join us.

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