Snowmobile Trails in Alpena, Michigan

Michigan is renowned for its 6,200-mile network of scenic snowmobile trails. The state's reliable abundance of snow almost ensures snowmobiling enthusiasts of plenty of winter powder to power their sleds through. Alpena, tucked away in Lake Huron's Thunder Bay on Lower Michigan's northeast shoreline, gives snowmobilers plenty of chances to explore the region. Three trailheads lead to more than 90 miles of area trails that also connect to the state's vast network.

  1. Trail 4

    • Trail 4 starts in Alpena on West Washington Avenue and travels west on an abandoned railroad grade that roughly parallels Michigan State Highway 32. Gas is available nearby at the trailhead. Trail 4 takes snowmobilers through the towns of Kerston Station, Paxton and Lachine en route to Hillman and further trail spurs. You'll be traveling through some scenic parts of Atlanta and Thunder Bay River state forests. Keep your eyes open for a large herd of elk in a private farm while following Trail 4 west. Trail 464 is a connecter spur intersecting Trail 4 at Herron Road just west of Paxton. Trail 464 travels north until it meets Trail 992 northwest of Bolton. Two other connecting trails travel south to the Devil's Lake loop. Trail 462 branches off not far from the trailhead while Trail 461 connects in Kerston Station.

    Trail 992

    • Gas up at the trailhead on Henry Street just north of Alpena on U.S. Highway 23 before shooting out on Trail 992 and heading northwest. The abandoned railroad grade is nearly a straight shot through the towns of Cathro, Bolton and Polaski en route to Posen on County Road 65. Trail 992 eventually winds up in Mackinaw City and provides access to numerous other connecting trails along the way. A unique sinkhole feature and bridge provide a favorite destination for local riders and can serve as a memorable photo op stop for visiting riders.

    Devil's Lake

    • The Devil's Lake area south of Alpena can be accessed via a staging area on Trail 461 three miles south of State Highway 32 on Indian Reserve Road. Take Trail 461 south and it will split at a "Y" into the Trail 468 loop as well as a series of un-numbered trails on the west side of Devil's Lake. Devil's Lake is surrounded by state forest land and provides a scenic and tranquil winter ride through quiet woodland. The trails are narrow and often snake through the woods with tight turns and numerous twists. Riders can expect scenic views of Devil's Lake as the trail follows its western shore for much of the route.