North Western State Trail
Cheboygan County | Emmet County
Bike Trails | Nordic (XC) Skiing | Hiking Trails | Snowshoeing Trails
Discover the natural beauty and quaint small towns along “The Fishing Line” from Petoskey to Mackinaw City along the North Western State Trail (NWST). The trail runs along the former Grand Rapids and Indiana line of Pennsylvania Railroad (once known as “The Fishing Line”) that opened in 1882 and continued in some areas until 1992.
Distance: 32 miles
Trail Surface: 7 miles asphalt between Petoskey and Alanson; 1 mile of road route in Alanson; 23 miles crushed limestone between Alanson and Mackinaw City; 1 mile of asphalt in Mackinaw City
Elevation: flat with small elevation changes
Allowed Uses: All non-motorized users (including horses) year-round and snowmobiles from December 1 to March 31.
Trailheads are located in Mackinaw City, Carp Lake, Levering, Pellston, Alanson, Oden, Conway and Petoskey.