Beaver Dams, Alpena, and the Trail Ahead

By the time you read this, the DNR will have pulled or cut the trees off the Petoskey to Mackinaw City Trail and done something with the beaver dam (see photo) that caused what looked to one user like a “washout.” From the original complaint, that would leave only the weeds that in some sections can reach hip high on adults but which might seem creepy to small children. So my judgment is that although the trail is “unimproved” it is still generally “bikeable” for adults.

There’s something about Alpena. I love the town and the trail but every time we (Top of Michigan Trails Council) sponsor a group bicycle ride there no one shows up. Or almost no one. Only me, the ostensible leader, my assistant Margo, and Ben and Jerry, two residents of Alpena that volunteered to describe the sites along the Bi-Path, peddled the 19 miles in two hours. The day was gorgeous, the trail scenic and varied, the commentary expert, and the post-ride lunch conversation at JJ’s Steakhouse friendly and interesting. Heartiest thanks to Margo, Ben and Jerry. Too bad you weren’t there.

But there will be other opportunities. Our next event will be Saturday, July 25 from Topinabee to the Andreae Preserve and return, "Earth Day in July." Topinabee is on the west side of Mullet Lake and the route will take you the six miles on the North Central State Trail to Indian River and three miles on local roads to the Little Traverse Conservancy Preserve. Doug Fuller of the Conservancy will lead us in a 45 minute or so hike in this lovely preserve before we return to Topinabee, stopping at Indian River for lunch at the Inn Between Restaurant on the Indian River. See you there! Our website with more info is at www.trailscouncil.org.