Big M Mountain Biking, Hiking and Cross-Country Skiiing Trails North Country Trail Access Udell Hills Rd 2 Udell Trailhead Yes Vault Pump Steinberg Rd

West Michigan Trails Trails Legend Hike/Bike/Ski Trails 55 Caberfae Hwy Big M Outer Loop < 15 miles to Manistee 2 55 North Country Trail 5 miles to Wellston > Highways Big M Trail Access Fire Tower Rd Paved and Gravel Roads Access Site Parking Restrooms Water Primitive/Two-Track Roads 1 Big M Trailhead Yes Vault No Big M Mountain Biking, Hiking and Cross-Country Skiiing Trails North Country Trail Access Udell Hills Rd 2 Udell Trailhead Yes Vault Pump Steinberg Rd

Shanty Boy Road Monkey d Gabriel’s r R e Horn Tow re Fi utr oo North Country Trail Steinberg Rd

wer Rd e To ir Swedish Fiddle ire Tow F Udell F er R Big d Wheel Fire Bindle Tower Stiff

Camp Barber Chair 24

Road Monkey The Firetower

Cheat Oh Me II

Stick Udell Hills Rd Ryberg Road Sky Pilot Double Bit Lumberjack Sky Pilot

Udell Hills Rd

Bullwacker Double Bit

1 Capper’s Corner Catamountmount

Corkpine

0 0.25Big0.5 M Mountain1 Biking,1.5 Hiking2 and Cross-Country Skiing Trails 0 .25 .5 1 1.5 Miles 2 Topping out at 794 feet above sea level, the Udell Hills soar Milesabove the Now part of Manistee second growth canopy of Manistee National Forest. In the mid 1950s, National Forest, the Big M the Manistee Ski Area was established on the steep eastern slopes of the recreation area boasts over 40 Visit the Udell Fire Tower. Udell Hills. With 17 ski runs, 9 tows and a two-story base lodge, it was miles of hiking and mountain The last remaining fire tower renamed “The Big M” in the 1960s. The small ski resort faded into biking trails that are groomed of its kind still standing in history sometime in the early 1970s. by local volunteers for cross- Michigan’s lower peninsula. country skiing and fat tire biking during the winter months. The trailhead, shelter and many of the trail loops were built on the site of the former ski resort. This nicely designed network of trails features wayfinding maps and mileage markers at each intersection, so you always know where you are as you ride through this lush secluded wilderness. The 15.6-mile Big M Outer Loop Trail is considered one of Michigan’s top 10 mountain biking trails, and the main attraction for most cyclists. Local riders recommend riding The Loop in a clockwise fashion. You’ll encounter challenging climbs and thrilling downhills on the south and north sides and a fun twisty romp through hardwood forest and pine groves on the remote western side of The Loop. Make sure to consult the trail map and bulletin board at the Big M trailhead for seasonal trail information. The Shoreline Cycling Club hosts the Big M Firetower The North Country Trail passes through the Big M with a Fat Bike Race each winter. trailhead just off M-55.