Opened in 1970, the Haywire Trail was the first rail-trail in Michigan; it follows the former Manistique and Lake Superior Railroad. The multi-use pathway is primarily used by ATV riders in summer and snowmobilers in winter. The trail is also open to mountain biking, hiking and horse riding.

The trail runs from M-94 south of Shingleton to the Water Intake Plant in Manistique on a surface of gravel, dirt and sand. It also includes ballast from the old rail bed upon which it runs, making travel difficult for bikes and horses in some spots.

Southern trailhead of the Haywire Grade Trail located near the Water Intake Plant in Manistique.

Staging location for many of the 50th Anniversary Events

Jack Pine Lodge is 15 miles south of Shingleton and 19 miles north of Manistique. The lodge is surrounded by the Hiawatha National Forest land in Schoolcraft County. The Jack Pine Lodge's Bar and Grill offers a full bar, a menu and specializes in handcrafted pizzas.

They maintain the trail system in their sector of the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The SCMTA strives to provide a medium for exchange of snowmobile and ORV information and to be the catalyst between government entities, businesses and snowmobilers and ORV enthusiasts.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. They strive to protect natural and cultural resources, ensure sustainable recreation use and enjoyment, enable strong natural resource-based economies, improve and build strong relationships and partnerships, and foster effective business practices and good governance.

The US Forest Service aims to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Palms Book State Park is located at the northern terminus of state highway M-149, a fifteen minute drive north of US-2 at Thompson. It is a rewarding side trip for the vacationer touring the Upper Peninsula, for here can be seen one of Michigan's alluring natural attractions -- Kitch-iti-kipi, The Big Spring. Two hundred feet across, the 40-foot deep Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's largest freshwater spring. Over 10,000 gallons a minute gush from fissures in the underlying limestone. The flow continues throughout the year at a constant 45 degree Fahrenheit. By means of a self-operated observation raft, visitors are guided to vantage points overlooking fascinating underwater features and fantasies. Ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches and fat trout appear suspended in nothingness as they slip through crystal waters far below. Clouds of sand kept in constant motion by gushing waters create ever-changing shapes and forms, a challenge to the imagination of young and old alike.

This ride is a “casual” snowmobile ride and is family oriented. The trail terrain is mostly flat and groomed by the local trail Grant Sponsor, Schoolcraft County Motorized Trails Association. Trail permits and helmets are required. Law enforcement support will be available at the M-94 crossings from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Trailheads and parking are available at Intake Park Trailhead and JackPine Trailhead. There are also many other optional riding opportunities in the area to complement this Ride Event.

The Horseback Ride will be a 7.5 miles beginning and ending at Jack Pine Lodge. The second mile is along the Haywire Trail and is rocky so horse shoes or boots are recommended. The trail can also be traversed slowly by most horses. The trail travels onto two-track forest roads along East Lake. The lake can be entered optionally by riders through two camping areas with lake access where the horses can water. Riders should carry bug spray for the horses and for themselves. There may be water on the trail so horses should be comfortable travelling through water. The ride will start at 10:00 am and support services will be provided until 2:00 pm.

This ride is a “challenge” ride and not for the faint of heart. Although the terrain is mostly flat, the surface varies greatly including gravel, loose soil and sand, with seasonal wet spots that vary from season to season. (ATBs, mountain bikes, fat tire bikes and e-bikes with mountain bike tires are recommended). Off-road riding experience is recommended. Helmets are required. Prepare to cover up and carry bug spray as the trail traverses forested and marshy areas. Event services will be provided along the route from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Trailheads and parking are available at Intake Park Trailhead and JackPine Trailhead. Shuttle Services can be provided (optional) for a nominal fee for one-way riders. There are many other optional riding opportunities in the area to complement this Ride Event.

This ride is a “casual” ORV ride and is family oriented. The trail terrain is mostly flat and groomed/grated by the local trail Grant Sponsor, Schoolcraft County Motorized Trails Association. Trail permits and helmets are required. Law enforcement support will be available at the M-94 crossings from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Trailheads and parking are available at Intake Park Trailhead and JackPine Trailhead. There are also many other optional riding opportunities in the area to complement this Ride Event.