Highbanks Hiking and Ski Trail in Oscoda, Michigan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Stretching for 13.4 miles along the AuSable River, this out-and-back trail takes you through a landscape thats rich with stories from the past.

As you make your way through the forested terrain, you cant help but be captivated by the panoramic views of the river valley below. The bluffs you traverse were once home to lumberjacks who helped shape the region during its timber era. Today, these majestic highbanks serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The trail starts 15 miles outside of Oscoda, with easy access at Iargo Springs, Lumbermans Monument, and Sid Town. During the summer months, hikers can enjoy a scenic 7-mile journey along the bluffs of the Au Sable River. The views are truly breathtaking - imagine vast expanses of green forests stretching as far as the eye can see, with the winding river cutting through the landscape like a serpentine ribbon.

In winter, when snow blankets the ground and transforms the world into a silent wonderland, Highbanks Hiking and Ski Trail offers something truly special: non-groomed backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. As you glide or crunch your way through the snowy forest, youll feel like an explorer in a winter wonderland.

At Sawmill Point, the trails endpoint, visitors will find 17 primitive campsites maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. A boat launch is also available here for those who wish to explore the Au Sable River by water.

As you hike or ski along this historic trail, take a moment to appreciate its unique attributes and immerse yourself in the captivating history that surrounds you. Highbanks Hiking and Ski Trail is not just a path through nature - its a window into the past, where stories of lumberjacks and rivermen still echo through the trees.