Distance: 4.5, 5.7, 7.5, 8.7-mile loops
Trail Type: Cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking
Terrain: Forested ridges and hills
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest City or Town:
Indian River
Located in the upland forests along the hilly border of Cheboygan and Emmet
Counties, Wildwood Hills Pathway is an 11-mile trail system of three loops that is
true to its name. The pathway winds through a heavily forested tract of rolling
hills and is composed primarily of abandoned two-tracks and even old railroad
beds, resulting in wide paths with easy curves and gentle ascents. The pathway is
one of the best cross country ski areas in northern Michigan. It is tracked
for classic cross country skiing in winter by a group of volunteers, supported by donations to the Wildwood Skiers’ Fund held by Top of Michigan Trails Council. The volunteers groom the tracks several times a week when the conditions warrant it. This trail does not support skate skiing. Snowshoeing is allowed, please stay out of the set tracks.
Directions
From I-75, depart at exit 310 (Indian River) and head west on M-68 and
then south on Old US-27 for 2.2 miles. Turn west on to Wildwood Road to
reach the East Lot Trailhead in 2.6 miles and the West Lot in 4.7 miles.
From Petoskey, take Mitchell Road (CR-58) east 9.5 miles to Wildwood
Road. Turn left on Wildwood Road to reach the West Lot Trailhead in 3.8
miles. The East Lot Trailhead is another 2 miles.
Wildwood Hills Pathway is affiliated with Top of Michigan Trails Council, a 501(c)(3)
that advocates for trails throughout Northern Michigan. TOMTC can accept donations
in support of grooming and maintenance at Wildwood.
Friends of Wildwood
Become a supporter of Wildwood Hills Pathway by donating to TOMTC – Wildwood Hills Pathway, 1687 M-119, Petoskey, MI 49770, or donate online HERE. Also become a member of our group page on Facebook.