Michigan's Premier Backcountry Loop

The High Country Pathway is an approximately 80-mile loop trail winding through the heart of Pigeon River Country State Forest in northeast Lower Michigan. Spanning four counties — Otsego, Montmorency, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle — this is the longest marked loop trail in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and one of the best near-wilderness backpacking experiences in the Midwest.

Originally designed to provide backpackers with roughly one week of adventure, the trail passes through a remarkable diversity of terrain: rolling hardwood forests, dark cedar swamps, pine plantations, open meadows, and beaver-created wetlands. The highest point on the trail is Rattlesnake Hill at 1,240 feet, offering one of the most expansive views in Lower Michigan.

What Makes This Trail Unique

The High Country Pathway stands apart as one of the few true multi-day backpacking loops in the Midwest. In 2023 it earned IMBA Epic designation — the only trail in Michigan with that distinction. But its greatest claim to fame is its wildlife: Pigeon River Country is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. Elk sightings are common, especially at dawn and dusk in the meadow and forest-edge areas. The forest also supports black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, coyotes, bald eagles, and a thriving population of brook trout in the Pigeon River. Expect solitude — you will likely be the only hiker out here for days at a time.

Trail Conditions & Navigation

The trail is marked with blue blazes on trees. Navigation can be challenging in places where blazes are faded or where the trail crosses logging roads and two-track paths. Carrying a detailed topographic map and GPS device is strongly recommended. The official trail map is available from the Pigeon River Country Association and at the Pigeon River Country Discovery Center.

Expect wet conditions, especially in spring and early summer. Extensive boardwalks cross many boggy and swampy sections, but some segments may have standing water or damaged planks. The trail shares approximately 6.7 miles with the Shingle Mill Pathway near Pigeon Bridge, providing scenic overlooks along the Pigeon River valley.

Water & Resupply

Reliable water sources are available throughout the trail from rivers, creeks, and lakes. Pump wells with potable water are located at several state forest campgrounds along the route. All backcountry water sources require filtering. The Pigeon River and Black River are the most reliable year-round sources. There are no resupply points or towns on the trail — carry all food for your entire trip.

Camping

Nine state forest campgrounds are located along or near the trail, offering established sites with fire rings and in some cases potable water and vault toilets ($13/night, first-come first-served). The Canada Creek Shelter at mile 39.7 is the only roofed structure on the trail, featuring four bunk beds, a privy, fire pit, and water pump. Grass Lake at mile 61.3 is widely considered the best backcountry campsite — a flat clearing with direct lake access and views of an active beaver lodge. Dispersed backcountry camping is also permitted throughout the state forest.

Best Season

The optimal window is late September through mid-October when fall colors are spectacular and insect pressure drops dramatically. Summer hiking (June–August) is beautiful but brings intense mosquitoes, deer flies, and ticks — industrial-strength insect repellent is essential. The trail is typically hikeable from May through November.

Difficulty

Rated moderate to strenuous due to distance rather than elevation. Cumulative elevation gain is approximately 4,000–4,500 feet over the full loop. The terrain is rolling with no sustained steep climbs, but the trail's length, remote nature, wet conditions, and navigation challenges make it a serious undertaking. Most backpackers complete the loop in 4–7 days.

Getting There

The primary trailhead is at Pigeon Bridge (mile 68.2) on E. Sturgeon Valley Road, approximately 9 miles east of Vanderbilt, MI. From I-75, take the Vanderbilt exit and head east on Main Street, which becomes Sturgeon Valley Road. An alternative start is at Clear Lake State Park (mile 20.4) on M-33 south of Atlanta.

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