Pigeon River

The highlight of this trip is the gorgeous scenery of the Shingle Mill Pathway along the Pigeon River. This is a wilderness area in the Mackinaw State Forest north of Gaylord. The trails are man-tracked with easy trails of 3/4 and 1 1/4 miles, a 6 mile intermediate trail and 10 and 11 mile trails that are more difficult. Even the shortest trails return along the Pigeon River and have beautiful views. This is also an elk viewing area. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is made up 98,000 acres of forest, home to Michigan's only elk herd, numbering over 1,150.

The Gaylord area is also close to many other skiing areas. The Pine Baron Pathway is machine groomed by the DNR and features flat terrain excellent for beginners. Of course there is Wilderness Valley (the new one), Forebush Corners and others.