AVID ADVENTURER

All Ways Exploring

The Avid Adventurer is:

Outdoor Adventurous
Escapist/Curious
Seeking Authentic Experiences
Winter Warrior
High Tech Gear Researcher
Travel Planner
Nomad/Backpacker/Camper
Jeep/ATV/ORV Driver
Sports Enthusaist

Taking on Cadillac, One Trail at a Time!

Avid Adventurer: Grab your gear, map your route, and point the GPS toward Cadillac Michigan. Escape from the grind and quell your thirst for adventure. No matter the time of year, Cadillac’s central location has just what you are looking for: multi-terrain trails, ORV/ATV off-road adventure, rustic campgrounds, and access to major rivers and inland lakes.

And when the snow flies, we have the best of what Northern Michigan has to offer the winter warrior: 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 34 downhill ski runs, and 60+ miles of XC and snowshoe trails. Explore the great outdoors, All Ways in Cadillac!

Take Me There

Destination: Cadillac.

Just Your Style.

Explore area destinations selected just for you to make the most of your Cadillac outdoor adventure!

Miles of Multi-Terrain Trails

Major Rivers

Miles of ORV Trails

Campgrounds

ORV/ATV

Fat Tire Biking

MCCCT Off-Road Trail System

Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop

Fife Lake Loop

North Country Trail System

MacKenzie Trail

Big-M Recreation Area

Cadillac Stories

Find the latest news and stories about adventure in the Cadillac region. Our team of local writers dig deep into the region’s recreation and provide our travel community the latest about exploring the area, trails, seasons and so much more.

We welcome you to explore Cadillac.

Winter Hiking The Manistee River Trail

For years, I've been winter backpacking all over the county from Utah to Maine! But the scenic trails we have right here at home are some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of exploring. My most recent winter hike with friends is a tradition that we try to plan...

Spring might be the best fishing for walleye, pike, and trout

by Dave Foley Unlike downstate areas, these trout waters won't be crowded. Although there may be several hundred trying their luck on Opening Day, in the Cadillac area, crowding is not a problem. It's likely an angler will fish a stretch of river and rarely see...

Out and About, Fishing Hotspots for Free Fishing Weekend

By Dave Foley: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has designated June 10-11 as Free Fishing Weekend. That’s right, no license needed. Residents and out-of-state visitors may fish fish for free on both inland and Great Lakes waters, but fishing regulations...

Out & About, Prime Paddling Season is Upon Us!

By Dave Foley If you were hesitant about joining the throngs of paddlers that fill popular rivers like the Manistee and Pine on summer weekends, take heart, the pressure on these streams is noticeably less after Labor Day. Only a few canoe liveries are...

Birders Flock To These 8 Locations in and Around Cadillac

By Dave Foley With its mixture of lakes and streams as well as forests, meadows, marshes, and agricultural lands, Cadillac is a natural gathering point for birds, both migratory, and year-round resident flocks. I have worked with veteran local birder, Dave Newhouse,...

11 Ways to Enjoy The Color Change in Cadillac

Enjoy the New ORV Scenic Ride - Fall is the perfect time to explore the ORV Scenic Ride! With crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage in full color, you'll experience an exciting ride through the changing landscape and you might even find some mud along the way. The...

New Winter Sports Trail at Cadillac Pathway popular with Fat-bikers

By Dave Foley When the snow conditions are right, the MDNR Cadillac Pathway parking lot off Seeley Road just east of Cadillac, will be filled with cars left by cross country skiers, fatbikers, and snowshoers. While the Cadillac Pathway has been a popular cross country...

Out & About, Spear Anglers Wait for Pike in Darkhouses

By Dave Foley:When you think of ice fishing, what comes to mind is folks standing on the ice or sitting inside fish shanties. Whether it’s tipups baited with minnows or jigging with ice rods, the vast majority of ice anglers are hoping to hook fish fish...

Winter Fun at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center Center

Winter hikes, ice fishing classes and more! The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, at the popular Mitchell State Park, offers a range of programs for all ages. Visitors are greeted by a 500 gallon aquarium showcasing the fish of Lake Mitchell and Lake...

Lace Up Those Shoes for a Week’s Worth of Trails in Cadillac!

Tired of running the same old routes? If you're looking for different views of Cadillac here is a plan for your week - never run the same route twice and start each run within five miles of downtown!Sunday McKellop Walkway Probably the best known is the McKellop...