From Boyne Falls, drive 5 miles east on Thumb Lake Road. Park at the corner of Slashing Road and Thumb Lake Road to find the trailhead. Of all the segments described here, this is the one where you are most likely to see other people. In the winter walkers with their dogs cut a path in the snow and it is common to hear or see snowmobiles on the nearby doubletracks. Regardless of the human disturbances, this section is quint es sen tial northern Michigan.
Trees line the path and hills provide a roller coaster ride.
At about the three-mile mark, the trail intersects with Nub's Nob ski trails. If true seclusion is your goal, then head to the Upper Peninsula and the Ottawa National Forest. Beginning with a mellow ramble through the woods, this segment drops sharp ly down a small cliff, then once again becomes a pleasant glide through the trees. Dipping in and out of clearings, the trail reveals the prints of many animals, the only disturbance you are likely to find in the perfect winter landscape. Drive about 18 miles west of Baraga on M-38 to find the trail.