The High Country Pathway is an 82-mile loop trail system through Michigan’s beautiful northern Lower Peninsula. The trail passes through habitats ranging from rolling hardwood forests and meadows to low-lying wetlands. Traversing through elk viewing territory and remote wilderness areas, this trail was designed to provide a backpacker with roughly one week of outdoor adventure. Each of section of trail provides a different activity opportunity, including hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. There are nine state forest campgrounds along the pathway for backpackers to spend the night or to access to the trail from. The trail can also be accessed at the Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters, found at 9966 Twin Lakes Road, Vanderbilt, MI 49795.

Visit the Pigeon River Country State Forest Discovery Center to learn more about the area’s natural features and history. The center is run by the Pigeon River Country Association.

Access to the trail can be found at:

• Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters found at 9966 Twin Lakes Road, Vanderbilt, MI 49795
• Jackson Lake State Forest Campground
• Pine Grove State Forest Campground (connects through the Clear Lake/Jackson Lake Pathway)
• Round Lake State Forest Campground
• Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground
• Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground
• Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground
• Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground
• Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
• Pigeon River State Forest Campground
• Clear Lake State Park

Please note that GPS driving directions often don't work in this remote area. A map of the forest is strongly recommended.

Backpacking (dispersed camping) is allowed along the pathway, as long as you are one mile away from any state forest campground and at least 600 feet from any natural river. View a map of state forests and campgrounds.