Each winter, the Northern Michigan outdoors transforms into an inviting snow-covered playground. The beautiful terrain and an extensive trail network make the area a favorite for Northern Michigan snowmobile riders. With trails connecting Cadillac to Frankfort, Manton to Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace to Marquette, sledheads can go out for an afternoon trip or a weekend getaway.
For those who love powder, here are some of the best Northern Michigan snowmobile trails, rentals, and hubs in five counties in the Northern Lower Peninsula.
1. Wexford County
The county is home to sprawling national forest, a rolling topography that boasts some of Michigan’s highest hills and ridges, beautiful inland lakes, and a stretch of rivers. The gorgeous terrain makes for some spectacular snowmobiling.
Snowmobile Rental:
Snowmobile Trail:
- White Pine Trail: Stretching 92 miles from the north end of Grand Rapids to Cadillac, the trail connects more than 15 communities. It’s open to snowmobiles once it has 6 inches or more of snow.
Snowmobile Hubs:
- Lost Pines Lodge, Harrietta
- Crossroads Grill, Harrietta
- Coyote Crossing, Cadillac
- Bucksnort Saloon, Mesick
2. Grand Traverse County
With miles of freshwater shoreline, gorgeous beaches, inland lakes, rivers, forest land and farmland, Grand Traverse County is a beautiful destination for riders.
Snowmobile Rentals:
- Blue Sky Snowmobile Rentals, Traverse City
- Snowblitz Snowmobile Rentals, Traverse City (delivery available to Mancelona, Cadillac, Kalkaska)
Snowmobile Trail:
- Boardman Valley Trail: The beautiful 80-mile network goes through cedar and pine forests and along the Boardman River.
- Jordan Valley Trail: Explore over 130 miles of trails near Shanty Creek and the village of Bellaire.
Snowmobile Hubs:
- Ranch Rudolf, Traverse City
- Peegeo’s, Traverse City
3. Antrim County
Antrim County offers a mix of Great Lake shoreline, turquoise inland lakes, hardwood hills, rolling farm meadows and winding valleys. When covered in snow, the landscape is stunning.
Snowmobile Rental:
- Mancelona Motel, Mancelona
Snowmobile Trail:
- Blue Bear Trail: The Blue Bear takes riders near Alba and south into Kalkaska County.
Snowmobile Hubs:
- The Hide-A-Way Bar, Mancelona (Starvation Lake)
- Mancelona Motel, Mancelona
4. Otsego County
Otsego County is filled with pines, hardwood forests, and inland lakes offering plenty of beautiful riding opportunities.
Snowmobile Rentals:
- Alpine Snowmobile Rentals, Gaylord
- DerMiner’s Parkside Market Snowmobile Rentals, Gaylord
- Benjamin’s Beaver Creek Resort, Gaylord
Snowmobile Trail:
- North Central State Trail: Running from Gaylord to Mackinaw City, the trail stretches north for 62 groomed miles through the forest, farms, and villages. It’s open to snowmobiling December 1 through March 31.
Snowmobile Hubs:
- Ray’s Retreat Country Inn, Gaylord
- Pine Cone Accommodations, Gaylord
5. Cheboygan County
The county is filled with outdoor recreation opportunities and beautiful terrain. With access to Gaylord State Forest Area, Pigeon River Country State Forest Area, inland lakes, and Lake Huron shoreline, you’ll find plenty of places to ride to.
Snowmobile Rentals:
- Brentwood Lodging, Indian River
- Indian River Sports Center, Indian River
Snowmobile Trail:
- North Eastern State Trail: The 71-mile trail goes from Alpena to Cheboygan. It goes through several communities and near state parks though it is remote in other areas.
Snowmobile Hub:
- Black Mountain Lodge, Cheboygan
Locals know best. For a look inside snowmobile hotspots like Cadillac and Mancelona, read “Waypoint, Sledder Highway.“