Michigans Northeastern State Trail ... 71 miles along an abandoned rail line through beautiful and remote areas of Northeastern Michigan. Probably few in Michigan even know that it exists: The North Eastern State Trail is the longest in the Top of Michigan Trails Council system: 71 miles. The trail is also known as the Alpena to Cheboygan Trail and formerly as the Cheboygan-Hawks Rail Trail. Surfaced in smooth, crushed limestone, the North Eastern State Trail (NEST) offers an extended journey for snowmobilers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians through some of the most remote and unpopulated regions of the state. The trail follows an old Detroit & Mackinaw Railway line, first developed in the late 1800s to ship Michigans vast supplies of timber to points beyond. What loggers didnt haul out was left on the ground, setting the stage for devastating forest fires in the early 20th century and turning entire towns into ash. Many of the towns were never rebuilt. The most recent owners of the line, Detroit and Mackinac Railway, abandoned operations in 1992, allowing the right-of-way to be turned over to outdoor recreationists. The trail passes through the hearts of some communities, as well as near state parks and recreation sites, boat launches and campgrounds. Yet its remote in other areas, and you wont see a building for miles along this incredible corridor. From its wetlands and woodlands to all sorts of waterways, the North Eastern State Trail offers an incredible wealth of scenery. Wildlife abounds: coyote, fox, deer, raccoon, elk, black bear and beavers inhabit the area. A wide variety of bird species will please twitchers. History buffs will like this trail, too, as the route takes in old logging towns, railroad stops, and even the town where wooden steering wheels for cars were once manufactured—Onaway. In Millersburg, the halfway point, the last remaining railroad depot stands; it has been renovated into a history museum. Construction of a year-round trailhead at the Millersburg Depot is planned for 2012. There is a new trailhead in Cheboygan with restrooms, parking and a shelter. This trailhead also serves the North Central State Trail. At the southern end the trail in Alpena, the route connects to the Alpena Bi-Path via Woodward Avenue on the north end of Alpena.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 14:15:30 +0000
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