National Trails Day, Three Chapter Hike
Cecil Bay Rd. to Mackinaw City
June 6, 2026 - Gather at 9:00am in Mackinaw City, MI. and head out by 9:30. Hike followed by lunch in Mackinaw City.
To celebrate National Trails Day, the Harbor Spring Chapter will be hosting a three-chapter hike along with the Jordan Valley 45° Chapter and the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter. At 9:00 we will all gather at the North Central State Trailhead pavilion, a block east of 109 S. Nicolet St., Mackinaw City, MI. (a half due mile south of the bridge). At 9:30 volunteers will drive hikers to the start at the Cecil Bay Rd. Trailhead. (If you plan to drive hikers, please prepare your car for passengers.)
MAPS:
North Central State Trailhead 109 S. Nicolet Street, Mackinaw City, MI.
https://nct.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=23a2c0d674cb443ea9835af2e8c5f13a&extent=-84.7396,45.7726,-84.7228,45.7924
What3Words (address popcorn.mascot.kitten) -Tap to see exactly where it is:
https://w3w.co/popcorn.mascot.kitten
Google Maps Link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TsXBAGE7NT4uHLH7?g_st=ipc
Hike Options:
Long Hike (~8.0 miles) – Cecil Bay Rd. trailhead to Mackinaw City trailhead. If there is interest, we will tack-on a side hike to the Mackinac Bridge on the way to a restaurant for pops and sandwiches.
Short Hike Options – Short hike people can drive and park their cars at the French Farm Lake (FFL) NCT Tailhead and:
a. (~5.0 miles) from Cecil Bay Rd. to FFL Trailhead
b. (~3 miles) Park at FFL Trail Head or somewhere along FFL and hike to Mackinaw City
c. Other out and back hikes from any of the points noted above.
Highlights along the trail include: The new Carp River Bridge, the dam at French Farm Lake, French Farm Lake, Mackinaw City and, of course, The Bridge.
Rides - Following the hike we will ferry drivers back to their cars.
Lunch - Following the hike, all are invited to lunch somewhere in Mackinaw City. If the group is large, we may need to spit up. Suggestions, so far, are for Audie’s Restaurant
https://www.audies.com/ and Dixie Saloon Brewery
http://www.dixiesaloon.com/
The terrain is mostly flat with a few hills by the lake and a little road walk. Watch the weather and dress accordingly. Bring water, snacks and a friend.
The Jordan Valley 45° Chapter runs from Starvation Lake Rd., near Manceloa, to Harbor Springs. The Harbor Springs Chapter starts in Harbor Springs and runs to the Mackinac Bridge. The Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter runs from the Mackinac Bridg to the Two Hearted River in da UP, eh!
Question? - call Bob Courtois at 248 212-6699, Shari Searles 231 838-9744 or Tom Walker 906 322-2617.
You may also like the following events from North Country Trail Association - Jordan Valley 45:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Mackinaw City,
Workshops in Mackinaw City.
