This trail was designed and created in conjunction with the Michigan DNR and US Forest Service by stringing together and marking a series of trails, two tracks and forest roads. The first ride on The Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail took place in 1963. That was the year The Michigan Trail Riders Association was born. It was one of the few trails in the Midwest offering a long-distance ride complete with established trail camps along the way. The trail begins in Lake Michigan at Empire on the west side of the state and ends in Lake Huron near Oscoda on the eastern side. Around Traverse City, the trail cuts through Lake Dubonnet, Muncie Lakes, the Sand Lakes Quiet Area and then heads north of Kalkaska before continuing eastward. There's also a southern spur that goes down to Cadillac, and a northern spur that ends at Lake Michigan near Mackinaw City. And the North Country Trail joins the shore-to-shore trail for a short distance north of Kalkaska. The trail passes under Interstate 75 north of Grayling and continues eastward to follow the scenic AuSable river on toward its destination, AuSable just south of Oscoda. The trail features campgrounds, complete with privies and wells, at approximately 18 to 25 mile intervals. Most of the camps overlook lakes or rivers. The MTRA maintains over 500 miles of trails between the Shore-to-Shore Trail and the North-South Trail. If you want information about other riding areas in Michigan please contact The Michigan Horse Council. PO Box 22008, Lansing, MI 48909-2008.
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