An awesome ribbon of trail looping through the heart of elk country, the High Country Pathway (HCP) embodies the classic definition of an International Mountain Biking Association [IMBA] Epic Ride. The first IMBA Epic Ride in Michigan will take you far into the backcountry with beautiful lowlands and panoramas in the highlands.

If your local trails are starting to get old, consider a short trip to northern Michigan's HCP.  Be sure to outfit for self-support, as you may not see another human on this 80-mile soul searcher. The trail passes through a variety of woodlands and wetlands containing massive groves of silver beech, tamarack swamp and leather leaf bogs. The area is home to beaver, black bear, bobcat, pine martin, snowshoe hare, wood ducks, bald eagles, deer, wild turkey and the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi River.

The name makes it sound like a walk in the park, but the terrain surprises the hell out of even experienced riders. Drop your camping gear at the Pigeon River Campground, near Vanderbilt, early Saturday morning, then drive to Tomahawk Creek Campground, and bike clockwise back to Pigeon. On Sunday ride back to your car.

Here are some reviews and tips I found in forums:

(1) "I usually start near the Pigeon River Headquarters just off Sturgeon Valley Rd. East of Vanderbuilt. I usually start with the Shingle Mill path first or at Pine Grove Campground. If you start at pine Grove you have to check out the wooden bridges and boardwalks south of the campground. Or I start at the parking lot on Stergeon Valley right by the Pigeon River and go South, that part of the trail is good, not overly technical. Some of the trail is awsome singleTrack and some is Brutal, overgrown, Log riddled, muddy, and extremely fun. If you want the EPIC ride pick a start point fill the camelbak with a compass, tools, water, and food. Most of the western side of the loop is good, parts of the eastern side get pretty sketchy and you might need your compass. The eastern side has a lot of sand also. The fact that its not just a mindless trail is what makes it so much fun. Check out the Shingle Mill Pathway in Pigeon River also while you are there."

(2)  "I usually go to the Pigeon to catch the trail. Directions this way can be found at the Pigeon River trail review. Once across the first bridge on Sturgeon rd., park in the dirt lot on the right. Signs will take you from their. Best to get a map and compass as well. Trail is phat, all you could ask for in Michigan. Deep forests, extremly low population once a few miles in, tight ass singletrack and some extreme Michigan hills. On top of this you got 70+ miles of wooded riding. Tell me, where else is this possible in Michigan? No where. This place is a hidden gem; just writing about makes my hands itch to grip my handle bars. Watch out for those elk, they aren't afraid if you piss them off. If you wanna take a extreme trip, take two cars up to the Pigeon. Park one there, go back to Vanderbuilt, head north on 75 and get off at Wolverine. The folks above can explain directions from here. Phat ass 40-50 mile cruise back to the Pigeon. Take a shit load of water and leave early 'cuz your gonna need it."

(3) "Ride Pinegrove south to Clearlake. It's 40 miles bring food you'll need it leave before 9am. to make it. This is a loooooong ride be prepared for whatever. This is a hard core ride that will kick your butt. If you make it don't blab to evrybody (like me). Just kick back and know your kore. Good luck."