Kalkaska County, located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is characterized by its rural, thickly forested areas. The region features level to gently rolling hills and slopes, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level in parts. With 86 lakes and over 275 miles of streams and rivers, its diverse landscape provides a rich natural backdrop for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, and more.
Kalkaska…
35
Routes
5
(4)
Average rating
808
People visited

2
hikers
31.7km
08:09
140m
140m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
3.62km
00:58
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
4.64km
01:13
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
11.1km
02:53
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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46.4km
03:57
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

61
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

64
riders
75.3km
06:40
410m
410m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

23
riders
29.3km
02:49
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
200
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
200
riders
65.1km
05:29
390m
390m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

30
riders
28.5km
02:26
210m
210m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

31
riders
27.0km
02:16
150m
150m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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54
riders
103km
05:26
490m
490m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

8
riders
42.3km
02:14
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
40.5km
02:10
210m
210m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3
riders
41.0km
01:58
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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21
runners
12.5km
01:31
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

21
runners
4.68km
00:35
60m
60m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
11.2km
01:09
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
7.74km
00:48
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Kalkaska County offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region features extensive forests, 86 lakes, and over 275 miles of streams and rivers. More than 10 routes are available on komoot, with an average rating of 5.0 stars.
The North Country Trail (NCT) is a significant national trail passing through Kalkaska County. Other notable hiking areas include the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, offering 10 miles (16 km) of trails, and the Seven Bridges Natural Area Trail. For more options, refer to the Hiking in Kalkaska County guide.
Kalkaska County features a growing network of mountain biking trails, including interconnected singletracks and two-tracks. The Kalkaska North Mountain Bike Trail offers routes through thick forests. The region is also known as the starting venue for the "Iceman Cometh Challenge." Find more details in the MTB Trails in Kalkaska County guide.
Kalkaska County provides opportunities for both touring and road cycling on its rural roads and connections to wider trail systems. The "Kalkaska – Father Marquette forest loop" is a moderate 28.8-mile (46.3 km) cycling route. The Cycling in Kalkaska County guide offers additional routes.
Kalkaska County offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including options for beginners. The terrain generally features level to gently rolling hills. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes in Kalkaska County guide.
Trails in Kalkaska County traverse extensive forested areas, including parts of the Pere Marquette State Forest. Hikers can encounter numerous lakes, rivers, and the unique Kalkaska County Sand Dunes. The Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve is another significant natural area.
Elevations in Kalkaska County range from 1,000 to 1,400 feet (305 to 427 meters) above sea level in the eastern half and northwest section. Some trails, like portions of the North Country Trail, offer significant climbs.
Information regarding specific dog policies for all trails in Kalkaska County is not universally available. Visitors should check local regulations for individual trails or natural areas before bringing pets.
Komoot offers several guides for Kalkaska County, including Hiking in Kalkaska County, MTB Trails in Kalkaska County, and Cycling in Kalkaska County. Guides for easy hikes, road cycling, and running are also available.
Kalkaska County is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 800 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the area have received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
The official website for Kalkaska County, Michigan, is kalkaskacounty.net. This site provides general information about the county.
Kalkaska County features several natural areas, including the Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve, covering nearly 1,300 acres (526 hectares). Rugg Pond Natural Area and Log Lake Campground are also highlighted as popular county parks.

