Mountain bike trails zigzag the countryside around Higgins Lake in Michigan. State parks and forests surround the lake and are home to most of the trails in the area, which has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The trails in the area are rated for just about any skill level, so riders will find something to suit their needs.
Geography
Higgins Lake is located five miles west of Roscommon in Roscommon County in the northern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. Adjoining the southern tip of Higgins Lake is Marl Lake; and just minutes south of Higgins Lake is Houghton Lake.
The area is largely undeveloped, with three state forest areas--the Grayling State Forest Area, Roscommon State Forest Area and Cadillac State Forest Area--surrounding the lake. The Huron-Manistee National Forests are just east of the lake. State parks--South Higgins Lake State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park--bookend each end of the lake.
Recreation
Along with mountain biking, South Higgins Lake State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park are popular destinations for beach activities, camping, boating, fishing, hiking and cross country skiing. The surrounding state forests offer hiking, biking and camping, along with wildlife viewing. The Huron-Manistee National Forests, with nearly a million acres of public lands, provide additional recreation opportunities as well as habitat for fish and wildlife. Nearby Marl Lake is a favorite destination for anglers, as well as those wanting to view wildlife.
North Higgins Lake State Park is also home to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, which showcases the efforts of the CCC to put young men to work during the Great Depression doing conservation and restoration work.
North Higgins Lake State Park
At the northern end of Higgins Lake, the North Higgins Lake State Park is home to 6.5 miles of trails. The scenic trail has long winding segments that traverse deep pine and hardwood forests. The trailhead is located in the parking lot for the Civilian Conservation Corps museum, west of Roscommon on County Road 203.
Entry fees for the state park are $6 to $8 for daily admission and $24 to $29 for an annual pass, as of 2010.
Ogemaw Hills Pathway
West of Higgins Lake in Ogemaw County, Ogemaw Hills offers something for everyone. Hiking, biking and cross-country skiing are popular attractions at the state park. The 13.5-mile biking trail features ascents and descents to challenge every level of rider, from easy to strenuous. The trailhead parking lot is on Fairview Road, about five miles north of West Branch.
Tisdale Triangle Pathway
One of the easier trails in the area, Tisdale Triangle Pathway is rated as an easy 8.5-mile trek. The relatively flat trail winds through pine-forested areas near South Higgins Lake State Park. Riders can access the trail just north of Roscommon, off state highway M-18 on Tisdale Road.
Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Hanson Hills Recreation Area features more than 18 miles of trails crisscrossing through a 1,500-acre forested park. The trails include steep climbs and descents, as well as a smoother flowing trail, giving all levels of riders a challenge. Hanson Hills Recreation Area is a municipal ski and recreation area, operated by the Grayling Recreation Authority.
Hartwick Pines
The Hartwick Pines trail is about 20 miles north of Higgins Lake, northwest of nearby Grayling. Overlooking the AuSable River valley, the 10-mile trail winds through nearly 10,000 acres of scenic rolling hills that make up Hartwick Pines State Park. Riders can access the trailhead at the end of the park road in the Pines Picnic area on Michigan highway M-93, three miles north of Interstate 75.
The park carries an entry fee of $6 to $8 daily, or $24 to $29 annually.
Member Comments