Grayling, a small city in northern Michigan, is surrounded by numerous state parks, forests and lakes. Its many outdoor recreational activities include fishing, biking, hiking and camping. Visitors also may canoe and kayak down the Au Sable River, which runs right through the city. Activity options continue through winter because Grayling is home to a ski resort where individuals and entire families can ski, snowboard and go tubing.
Many places are available to camp in and near Grayling. Hartwick Pines State Park, for example, has 100 campsites. The park's 9,762 acres are covered with trees native to Michigan, such as the virgin white pine. During the day, visitors can explore an 1880s logging camp and learn about Michigan's forests at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. The park offers numerous hiking trails, picnic grounds, wildlife viewing areas and lakes that can be used for fishing. Visitors can even cross-country ski and hunt in portions of the park.
Numerous other forest campgrounds are just a few miles from Grayling. Au Sable River Canoe Camp, Keystone Landing and Lake Margrethe are just some of the campsites within 10 miles of Grayling.
Within Hartwick Pines State Park are four hiking trails totaling seven miles. The state park also has three bicycling trails good for beginners. Bicyclists and hikers wanting more of a challenge can bike at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, where the trails are 60 percent hilly. People who prefer paved hiking and biking can use the five-mile long Grayling Bicycle Turnpike. The Grayling Visitor's Bureau website, which is linked in the Resources section, offers a full list of hiking and bicycle trails.
After it runs through Grayling, the Au Sable River empties into Lake Huron. Famous first for its Michigan grayling, the river is now recognized as one of the top rivers to fish for trout. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment's website details fishing license requirements, opening and closing fishing dates and fishing quotas. Besides fishing, visitors can canoe and kayak the river; canoes and kayaks are available for rent.
Started in 1929, Hanson Hills Recreation Area was the first downhill ski area in Michigan. Open during weekends, the ski resort has four lifts with an average snowfall of 60 inches. Skiing and snowboarding prices are considered affordable, and discounted pricing is offered for certain days and times. The site includes a terrain park that challenges skiers with multiple rails and boxes. Besides skiing and snowboarding, visitors may go tubing and snowshoeing.
