Photo courtesy of Erin Fanning. Enjoying the views from Rattlesnake Hill.
Lifestyle

The High Country Pathway: A Gift Wrapped in Dirt

By Erin Fanning

The High Country Pathway (HCP), an 80-mile ribbon of trail, wraps itself around Northeastern Michigan, creating a dirt-filled gift for hikers and mountain bikers.

It twists and soars through the semi-wilderness of the Pigeon River Country State Forest and the sleepy counties of Montmorency, Otsego, Atlanta, Cheboygan and Presque Isle. Rolling along meadows, forests, and wetlands, the HCP combines mostly narrow singletracks with sandy doubletracks and tree-shrouded forest roads, offering a few hours of exploration to multi-day camping adventures.

The cries of hawks mingle with potential glimpses of elk and bobcat, along with numerous other woodsy creatures, as visitors ramble up and down the HCP. In the spring, trillium lines sections of the forest, and hikers abandon the path to hunt for morels. Fall brings colorful leaf bouquets, and snowshoers and skiers make tracks through deep snow in the winter.

Trail users will find several state forest campgrounds accessible from the HCP. Personal favorites include the Pigeon River State Forest Campground, perching along its namesake river with 19 rustic sites, and Clear Lake State Park, hosting pristine water and 200 modern sites.

The HCP also boasts the honor of being Michigan’s only Epic Trail, a designation from the International Mountain Biking Association. This has given it a sacred aura for mountain bikers with annual pilgrimages to tackle the HCP in one or two days. For most of us, though, the 80 miles are best savored through frequent visits, stopping often to enjoy views and soak in the solitude. 

Keep in mind, however, that the HCP is a rugged experience. Cellular reception is spotty, and trail users should carry plenty of food and water. Although the trail is marked with blue paint and HCP signage, it is sometimes difficult to follow. 

Cruising along the HCP.
Photo courtesy of Erin Fanning.

Additionally, conditions are prone to frequent changes from deadfall and logging operations to removed bridges and unmaintained, brushy trail. In other words, be prepared for a journey into one of Michigan’s truly wild areas. 

Frequently, though, the best preparation is to simply explore a small portion of the trail. Below you’ll find two of my favorite sections but don’t stop there: the HCP is a gift that never stops giving. 

Shingle Mill Pathway (various loops) to Tin Shanty Road (about 15 miles)

Shingle Mill, about 10 miles east of Vanderbilt on Sturgeon Valley Road, connects with the HCP, creating 5 loops from .75-mile to 11 miles long. The variety offers a lowkey introduction to the HCP, appropriate for families. The trail rolls constantly, following the Pigeon River then alternating between hilltop views and dense forest. Those looking for more of a challenge can continue southeast about 4 miles on the HCP to Tin Shanty Rd. This short section is typically clear of debris with manageable climbs and few challenges.

Clear Lake State Park to Rattlesnake Hill (about 13 miles)

A spur of the HCP runs through the park, about 10 miles north of Atlanta on M-33, linking it to the main trail. From there, users will find classic HCP from ascents and descents to open meadows and thick woods to stream crossings. This section, however, stands out for one reason: Rattlesnake Hill, a 200-foot climb over rocky, sandy terrain. The reward comes at the top with sweeping views of a pristine Lower Peninsula, devoid of buildings and people, only an endless expanse of trees and an appreciation for the HCP.

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