North Central State Trail

About the Trail

A premier cycling trail, Waters to Mackinaw City

The North Central State Trail (NCST) has become a premier cycling trail in the Midwest. It is surfaced with crushed limestone, and its flat terrain makes for easy cycling through diverse natural beauty. Highlights include the Sturgeon River valley between Vanderbilt and Indian River and the section that runs along Mullett Lake between Indian River and Cheboygan. The trail towns of Waters, Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, Cheboygan, and Mackinaw City offer plenty of amenities to serve trail users along the way.

The improvements to the former Michigan Central Railroad corridor were completed in 2007 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, funded through a Federal Transportation Enhancement grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation and a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, along with support from local communities and organizations. The trail surface is maintained by the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. In 2008 the trail was named one of the top five autumn destinations in the nation by the Rails to Trails Conservancy.

The trail drops gradually in elevation (770 feet) from Gaylord to Indian River, and is otherwise flat with slight elevation changes. All non-motorized users (including horses) are welcome year-round, and snowmobiles from December 1 to March 31. The mile markers use the historic Michigan Central Railroad numbers from Bay City to Mackinaw City.

Segments, south to north

Waters to Gaylord — 10.4 miles. The newest addition to the NCST extends the trail south to Waters, helping connect Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail to the south. The trail parallels an active rail line with wonderful views of Otsego Lake and connects to Otsego Lake State Park — perfect for the day or to stage a weekend of exploration.

Gaylord to Vanderbilt — 8.4 miles. From the trailhead in downtown Gaylord (360 W. Main St.), the trail continues along an active rail line for about a mile, then follows an abandoned rail corridor across the highlands of Otsego County, through two culvert tunnels, with great rural views.

Vanderbilt to Wolverine — 10.8 miles. A very scenic segment through remote Stewart’s Creek Marsh with excellent birding, crossing the Sturgeon River twice before entering Wolverine and its two riverside parks.

Wolverine to Indian River — 10 miles. The sounds of the river accompany your journey through the Sturgeon River valley. Stop at the Rondo canoe access site where the trail crosses the river; Haakwood State Forest Campground makes a nice staging area.

Indian River to Topinabee — 5.4 miles. This scenic segment crosses the Indian River as you leave the trailhead and runs along the “spreads” of the Indian River as it enters Mullett Lake, with great views through Topinabee and a nice beach at the Topinabee trailhead.

Topinabee to Cheboygan — 12 miles. The trail continues north along Mullett Lake — at times directly adjacent to the lake with incredible views — then veers away, crossing M-27 through rural farmland before reaching Cheboygan. About a quarter mile south of the Cheboygan trailhead, the North Eastern State Trail branches off toward Aloha, Onaway, and Alpena.

Cheboygan to Mackinaw City — 16.3 miles. From the full-service community of Cheboygan, the trail runs on the west/south side of US-23 through forest land. About halfway, a small connector trail leads to an MDOT park on Lake Huron with a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge. The Mackinaw City trailhead on Mackinaw Crossings Drive has parking, restrooms, water, interpretive signs, and a pavilion. From there, continue southwest on the North Western State Trail to Petoskey, or take a ferry to Mackinac Island.