North Central State Trail

North Central State Trail is a 73–75 mile rail trail in northern Michigan built along a former railroad corridor, following a generally flat line on packed crushed limestone with minor elevation change. The corridor runs northward from Gaylord toward Mackinaw City, where it connects to the North Western State Trail.

For hiking, the surface is the main constant: crushed limestone along the route, with asphalt within the village limits of Mackinaw City. Allowed uses include non-motorized hiking (plus biking and running), and the trail is also open to horseback riding year-round.

The trail is separated into named sections with trailheads and towns every stretch or two. Typical segment lengths include Gaylord to Vanderbilt (7.6 miles), Vanderbilt to Wolverine (10.9 miles), Wolverine to Indian River (9.6 miles), Indian River to Topinabee (5.6 miles), and Topinabee to Cheboygan (11.9 miles).

Between Vanderbilt and Indian River, the route highlights the Sturgeon River valley. North of that area, the trail tracks along the west side of Mullett Lake for stretches near Indian River and Topinabee, with the lake setting continuing into the Cheboygan approach.

North of the inland sections, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City function as endpoint communities with more complete facilities. Mile markers on the trail use the historic Michigan Central Railroad numbers from Bay City to Mackinaw City, with marker 121 north of Gaylord and marker 181 south of Mackinaw City.

A key logistical feature for long-distance hiking is straightforward staging: multiple trailheads serve the main towns along the line (including Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, Cheboygan, and Mackinaw City). The trail towns are set up for trail users with restaurants, lodging, and restrooms at many access points.

More information: Wikipedia, North Central State Trail, North Central State Trail - Gaylord to Mackinaw City