Bike and Hiking Trails
Experience the beauty of Northwest Michigan by biking or hiking on any of the nearby Manistee National Forest Trails or Pere Marquette State Forest Trails. Below you'll find a good sampling of nearby area trails, but there are several more. Check in at the front desk for maps and more information. Some of our favorites include:
Silver Creek Pathway
Just 10 minutes from PRPC, the Silver Creek Pathway is a loop trail that parallels both sides of the Pine River offering great vistas along the way.
Manistee River Trail
Located in the Manistee National Forest approximately 12 miles from PRPC, the Manistee River Trail features spectacular vistas and several foot bridges traversing the small creeks cascading over unique clay formations on their descent to the river.
North Country Trail (NCT)
Segment A of The North County Trail is in the Manistee National Forest and just 12 miles northwest of PRPC. You'll find breathtaking vistas over the Manistee River Valley and a suspended hiking bridge crossing the river connects the NCT to the Manistee River Trail. Open to both hikers and bikers, the NCT offers more vertical for those seeking a good workout. Download the map as a PDF.
Hike Michigan's Sand Dunes
If hiking remote sand dunes, secluded beaches, and Lake Michigan sunsets are high on your list, head for either the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area Info. Sleeping Bear encompasses a 35 mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, an 1871 lighthouse, outstanding beaches, dune formations, forests, and ancient glacial phenomena.
Nordhouse Dunes is the only Federally designated wilderness area along Lake Michigan.
Pine Valley Pathway
10 minutes from PRPC, the Pine Valley Pathway is a single-track loop system that leads you to and past Lost Lake.
McKenzie Trail System
Just 15 miles from PRPC, The McKenzie Trail System is an extensive system of rolling loops of varying lengths adjacent to the Caberfae Ski Area.
Big-M Trail System
Located 30 minutes west of PRPC, The Big-M Trail System surrounds a former downhill ski area. An invigorating biking trail, be prepared for many aerobic climbs, well worth the 360-degree view of the Manistee National Forest from the top of Cappers Peak.