If you like your snowmobiling with a side of relaxation and socialization, Cadillac, Michigan, should be your next snowmobile destination.
Cadillac boasts over 200 miles of continuous trails within the Manistee National Forest, which connects with other systems for over 600 additional miles of trails. Favorite trailheads include the Cadillac West trailhead on 33 Mile Road, which places you at the eastern edge of the Cadillac system. The trailhead on Caberfae Road is also popular, putting you in the heart of the ‘in-forest’ system.
A Day on the Trails
Put yourself in this scene: Taking to the trails, you leave from the Caberfae Road Trailhead. The Manistee National Forest trail system is predominately pine, with a mix of hard wood. New snow hangs on the tall pine branches on either side of the trail, creating an arch-like entrance that provides a breathtaking, white sparkling ambiance. You wind your sled around bends and over a small stream on freshly groomed trails that allow for two-way traffic. As you ride, sun peaks out in the open spaces – snowmobile heaven on earth.
After a while, a straight away opens into a field where you take a quick left into an even wider thoroughfare, and everyone can get a bit “sassy.” A few feet ahead, you can see the Boon Bonfire blazing with a dozen snowmobilers standing around telling sledding tales. The Boon Grocery has hosted the bonfire area for decades, and it’s just a short walk (or ride) thru the pine trees to get snacks, drinks and their famous aged Boon Cheese in over 20 flavors.
After tasting some Boon Cheese and crackers, you head toward Mesick on Trail 37. This trail meanders through the forest while offering a more rustic-style ride with hilly terrain, flattening out on the old railroad bed along M-37. Enjoy the awesome views across farmland, meadows and rivers along the trail. When you arrive in Mesick, you take in lunch at a downtown watering hole before heading back on Trail 37 to do the Caberfae Loop on 637/6 and arrive back to Coyote Crossing for dinner. The restaurant is equipped with space for helmets and gear. Relax and take it all in.
But Wait, There’s More
Riders around the bonfire will surely inspire you to explore the connecting northwestern Michigan region systems. There are enough miles for more than a week worth of riding, while typically not riding the same trails twice. The region has over 150 volunteers who groom and maintain 600+ miles of trails in cooperation with the USDA National Forest and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Don’t forget to purchase a permit—trail permits fund the trail grooming equipment, so your support helps keep the system in great condition.
Also, be sure to check out the North American Snow Festival including youth and adult snowmobile races, antique snowmobile show and snow FUN! Riders can obtain additional snowmobiling information from Cadillac Winter Warriors and Cadillac Winter Promotions.
Joy VanDrie, Executive Director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, is a native of Cadillac and has been with the Bureau for 5 years. Growing up in Northern Michigan on a hobby farm, she has participated in four seasons of sports indoor and outdoor, motorized and non-motorized.
Make sure you’re ready for your trip to Cadillac with jackets, bibs and gloves.
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