Mertz Grade Foot Trail

Grayling, Michigan

Description

This trail connects with 2 other trails to offer more than 5 miles of hiking. It's a beautiful forest of red and white pines to walk through, and it's relatively flat.

This 2.3 mile loop connects with the Old Growth Forest trail and the AuSable River trail. You can spend a whole day enjoying all the trails, and then relax in the Hartwick Pines Cabin in the evening. In the winter, it's a popular cross country skiing trail.The red and white pine trees were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, after the area was heavily logged. You can also find jack pines, balsm firs, and dogwoods, as well as various wildlife and wildflowers. When coming here, I've seen pileated woodpeckers and heard grouse. If you're really adventerous, you might be able to find Hartwick Lake, it's somewhat easier to find near the road.Elevation change: 35 ft.Directions: From 75, take M93 east and turn right on Bobcat Trail, where you'll see a parking lot on the right.

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Features

Photography

Skiing

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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