This popular trail is considered one of the best in the U.P. Five loops offer increasing difficulty; first two loops are kid-friendly. Several single tracks off the main path give added challenges for mountain bikers. Main trail winds along the Days River through pine, spruce and cedar ridges of the Escanaba River State Forest. Look for white-tailed deer, songbirds, hawks, eagles and other wildlife along the way. Trailhead 3 mi. NW, US-2 & Days River Road.

The short trail winds through cedar and oak stands along the mouth of the Days River. Tree identification markers are located along the trail North of Gladstone on North Lake Shore Drive.

The postcard scenery and rolling hills on the Days River Pathway makes this one the most popular trails on the Bays de Noc. It winds along side of the Days River through pine, spruce and cedar ridges of the Escanaba River State Forest. The trailhead is located two miles northwest of US Highway 2 & 41 between Gladstone and Rapid River.

Trail Length: 9 (Miles)

Pathway Directions to Trailhead: 3 miles NW of Gladstone via US-2 & Days River Rd

Features: Biking, Hiking, Snow shoeing, and Cross Country Skiing

Picture yourself gliding silently past a clearwater stream gurgling in and out of pockets of glistening ice, or entering a pristine forest of pines and larch trees to see elk standing in the distant shadows, or even stopping with your companions in snow-draped woods to enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

All these scenarios and more can be enjoyed on a day trip to one of the public cross-country ski pathways found in Michigan's beautiful state forests.