Press Releases

NEWS FROM: GRAYLING VISITORS BUREAU FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P.O. BOX 217 October 19, 2006
GRAYLING, MI 49738
CONTACT: ILENE GEISS-WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(800) 937-8837
WEBSITE: WWW.GRAYLING-MI.COM

Make Grayling your snowmobiling headquarters and you’re in for a blizzard of fun all winter. Why?
If you’re out for memorable scenic views of northern Michigan in winter the whole family can enjoy, they’re there.
If you’re looking for well-marked routes made for groups, they’re here.
If you love to rack up miles on your machine, and are looking for a central location that links to routes that will take you from one end of the state to another, they’re here too. For those reasons and lots more, thousands of riders head to Crawford County and Grayling for trips they can relive long after the last snow is off the trail.
Located in the center of northern Lower Michigan, Crawford County features more than 200 miles of groomed trails within its boundaries alone,” says Keith Miles, board member of the Au Sable Valley Snowmobile Association and the Grayling Visitors Bureau.
There are 14 motels that are members of the Grayling Visitors Bureau, 12 of which are open year-round and “sled-friendly.”
The association partners with other groups to groom trails all winter and also publishes an excellent annually updated map that not only details routes in Crawford County but also in parts of Roscommon, Kalkaska, Ogemaw, Antrim and Otsego counties. Trails are clearly marked, as are locations for gas, plus points of interest. Numbers correspond to locations of restaurants, motels and other area businesses catering to ‘bilers listed on the back side. And, while the map has a $1.50 face value, Miles says most motel operators offer it free to guests, as do
many other county businesses. Visitors can also link to trails at the Visitors Bureau website, www.grayling-mi.com.

“All of the trails are signed and numbered so well, that if you’re ever concerned about getting lost, that’s not an issue,” Miles says. “Another unique thing about Crawford County is the predominance of two-track trails that also are legal to ride on. There are hundreds of miles of those and with a map like ours and a
little advice from your motel operator, you can get out and away from the weekend crowds.”
Miles estimates close to 70 percent of the county is state and federal land. “We’re finding quite a few guests returning because we turned them on to those trails and they love them,” he said. All designated trails are groomed six days a week once there is sufficient snow.
The biggest departure trailhead is just west of Grayling off M-72. From there, routes radiate both north and south to tie with others that run in nearly every direction. Here’s a look at a few ways ‘bilers can romp in Crawford County snow this winter:
• If you’re a crowd lover, he says, come on weekends, and usually you’ll find plenty of company at the M-72 lot. Weekdays are less crowded.
• For a true scenic ride that will give you a taste of the area’s vast forestland, head north through stretches of beautiful hardwoods and pines near the banks of the Manistee River to the Blue Bear Trail that heads west, crossing the Manistee River on Cameron Bridge Road. From there, you can point your sled towards Kalkaska or north towards Starvation Lake
• If you’re looking for more solitude, head for the Lovells Trail head off Lewiston Grade Road. It meanders along an old railroad grade northeast to Lovells, where you can fuel up your body and your sled, and continue north to Gaylord, or east to Lewiston or south towards Mio or even St. Helen and the West Branch area. On a typical trip, riders can head north to Gaylord from Lovells, then head south to return to Grayling for a 60-plus-mile loop. Miles adds that there are many areas snowmobilers can “free range” through hundreds of acres of National Guard lands open to riding.
Miles says the Visitors Bureau website provides regularly updated, accurate trail condition reports, and even offers reports emailed to riders who sign up for the free service.“Our trail reports come direct from our groomer drivers and it doesn’t get better than that. We take pride in giving out very accurate information and if anything, we’re conservative with our reports,” Miles says.
Riders up for longer jaunts can head to areas like Atlanta, Hillman, the Boardman and Jordan river valleys and Indian River and be back to Grayling at sunset.
There are dozens of great restaurants to choose from in the Grayling area, and weekend entertainment is available, including at the Grayling Ramada Inn.
Riders coming up for area events such as Houghton Lake’s annual Tip-Up Town USA celebration can ride the entire distance from Grayling by hopping on the through-town snowmobile route and following their trail map south.
The Grayling Visitors Bureau reminds snowmobilers to ride safely responsibly and avoid alcohol on the trail. It not only affects judgment but can contribute to hypothermia. Always carry a tool kit, trail maps, waterproof matches, cell phone or GPS unit, emergency food and an extra key. Use extreme caution when crossing lakes and rivers. Always travel with a buddy and let friends know where you will be and when you will return.
In the event of an emergency, the Au Sable Valley Snowmobile Association maintains an Emergency Trail Location system throughout Crawford County.
Signs designating the route you are on, followed by a location number are at all road crossings and along the trails. They’re matched with GPS coordinates that allow Crawford County Emergency Services to find you. Just dial 911 and tell the operator you are in Crawford County, and give them the number on the sign.

For more on accommodations and other things to see and do in the Grayling area, contact the Grayling Visitors Bureau, (800) 937-8837, or www.grayling-mi.com.
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