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A lovely trail highlighted by river views, towering mature hardwood forests and pine plantations.


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Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.1

KM

Point to Point

1,044' 318 m

High

874' 266 m

Low

333' 101 m

Up

343' 105 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

This loop is just over ten miles and offers a remote and beautiful setting where hikers can enjoy a completely undeveloped forest that's home to elk, bear, bobcat and more. The Shingle Mill Pathway offers a glimpse of the Pigeon River State Forest sharing some of the best terrain of it's larger brother, the High Country Pathway.

There are three loop options all of which include river views, towering mature hardwood forests, and pine plantations. This loop includes a stop at Section 4 lake with its deep blue water and storybook scenery. All loops end up back at the trailhead on a quarter mile long boardwalk in dark cool cedar forest that runs along the Pigeon River.

You can either hike the complete loop, or shorten it by using the Shingle Mill 6-Mile Cutoff, or the Shingle Mill 10-Mile Cutoff.

The trailhead is located on Sturgeon Valley Road across from the Pigeon Bridge campground outside of Vanderbilt, MI by roughly 10 miles. Parking is across from the campground, and the trail start is located within the campground itself.

An alternate trailhead is at 9966 Twin Lakes Rd, Vanderbilt, MI. Parking is available next to the forest headquarters building.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12212

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#165

in Michigan

#12,212

Overall
8 Views Last Month
999 Since Jan 19, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

An interesting tree - with absolutely no foliage.
Jul 17, 2021 near Gaylord, MI
An early summer morning view of Grass Lake.
Jul 17, 2021 near Gaylord, MI
Highest point on trail
Apr 16, 2021 near Indian…, MI
Drawing water from Grass Lake
Apr 16, 2021 near Gaylord, MI
View off the boardwalk
Aug 22, 2018 near Gaylord, MI
The final stretch of the trail is a 1/4 mile boardwalk through the marsh.
Jan 19, 2017 near Gaylord, MI
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Current Trail Conditions

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