Address: Big M Manistee, MI 49660
Countie(s) trail is located in: Manistee
Trail Type(s): Cross Country Skiing <> Hiking <> Mountain Biking <> Snowshoe
Trail Measurement: 37.9 Miles
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The Big “M” trail is a 37.9 mile loop trail system located in a canopy of hardwoods off of M-55 between Cadillac and Wellston. The trail offers a variety of terrain to challenge every biking and skiing experience level as you traverse up and down hills through the woods.
Mountain Biking – Most of the 25-miles of single track trail are one-way (clock-wise) and should not be biked backwards. The bike trail is open from April to September.
Cross-Country Skiing – The 18-miles of trail are groomed and the parking lot is plowed in winter, usually starting in December. There is also a chalet available for skiers. Snowfall averages 130 inches from December to March, but the best skiing is usually in January and February. One loop provides several miles of ungroomed trail that is is perfect for snowshoeing.
Hiking – Although the trail is primarily used by Mountain Bikers, it is open to hiking. The trail runs near, but is not connected to, the North Country National Scenic Trail for a short stretch.
The Marzinski Horseback Riding Trail also crosses the Big M trail at two locations.
At a Glance
- Current Conditions: The managed season is from April 1 to November 1
- Operational Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless otherwise posted.
- Area Amenities: Parking
- Permit Info: Special Use Permit –
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Permits are required for a commercial event or large groups (75 people or more).
- Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
- Open Season: January 1 – December 31
- Usage: Light
- Best Season: March 15 to October 15
- Restrictions:
- Allowed – Hiking, Bicycles, Pets on a leash, Snowshoes, Cross-country skiing, nonmotorized mechanized equipment other than bikes.
- Prohibited – Motorized vehicles, Over-snow motorized vehicles
- As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for the public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests.
- Applicable Orders:
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails, and Off-road Areas
- Occupancy and Use – Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking, and Sanitation
- Closest Towns: Wellston
- Water: None
- Restroom: Vault
General Information
Directions:
From Manistee –
- Travel east on M-55 for 14 miles.
- Turn right and travel south on E. Udell Hills Rd. for 3.5 miles.
- The site entrance road is located on the right.
General Notes:
Location – Cadillac/Wellston Area
Nearby Recreation Areas –
- Hemlock Campground
- Briar Hills Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area
- Caberfae Scenic Overlook
- MacKenzie Cross-Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trail
County – Manistee
Amenities
- Parking – 20 Vehicle Capacity
If you have information about this trail please fill out the Add/Edit Trail form.
References and More Info
- Compass Latitude: 44°11’33.1″N
- Compass Longitude: 86°03’59.5″W
- Numeric Latitude: 44.192517
- Numeric Longitude: ‘-86.066538
- Elevation in Feet:
- Elevation in Meters:
- Trail Measurement: 37.9 Miles
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