19 Aug Trail of the Week: North Western State Trail – Levering to Mackinaw City
Take the North Western State Trail between Levering and Mackinaw City for some quiet trail time. As a less traveled section, the crushed limestone is a little looser, making you slow down and enjoy the escape from the hustle and bustle of heavier trafficked sections of trail. Plus, if you ride from Levering to Mackinaw City, you get a view of the Mighty Mac as a reward!
As you head north from Levering, the trail crosses various small tributaries and the Carp Lake River in a beautiful wetland area with excellent birding. From Carp Lake to Mackinaw City the trail traverses about four miles inland from US-31 through State Forest lands. Just before Trails End Road there is a small overlook of the windmills with an interpretive sign. From Trails End Road into Mackinaw City the trail is asphalt. After going under I-75 you will cross Nicolet Street and arrive at the Mackinaw City Trailhead, the northern terminus of the NWST.
From here you can visit Mackinaw City sites, Mackinac Island or continue your trail journey southeast on the North Central State Trail to Cheboygan and beyond.
In Levering, you can park along nearby roadsides, or here. 
Crossing Carp Lake River 
Crossings let you know which road you are passing 
Asphalt trail heading into Mackinaw City 
Can’t miss the Wienerlicious building 
Following the brick paved history trail takes you to the foot of the Mackinaw Bridge 
Mighty Mack 
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse 
This gravel path leads you from the trailhead into the business district 
Mackinaw City Trailhead 
Junction of the North Western State Trail and the North Central State Trail 
Heading back south 
The northern section of the NWST is also part of the North County Trail 
Signs like these indicate that snowmobiles use the trail in the winter months 
You pass by Carp Lake – where there is a pit toilet at the Paradise Lake Boating Access site on Paradise Trail 
Heading back to the car in Levering