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.

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,...

Walking the Clam River Greenway

The Clam River Greenway is a 1.6 mile paved trail that takes visitors from the CASA soccer fields to a couple Lake Cadillac trails. The trail is 10 feet wide and covers multiple boardwalks, bridges, and snakes with the Clam River through its entirety. "Walking and...

A December Backpacking Trip on the Manistee River Trail Loop

As the seasons change and winter arrives, many people put away their backpacking gear. But as the snow falls and the crowds disappear, a new adventure awaits. It was a cold December night, and our group met at the Upper River Road trailhead on the North Country...

Out and About, 10 Essentials for Your Next Hiking Trip

By Dave Foley: If you enjoy hiking, be it a day trip or an overnight on the trail, there’s plenty of opportunities in the Cadillac area. Pick any stretch of the more than 50 miles or North Country Trail in our area, or hike the Manistee River Trail between Hodenpyl...

Vertical Drop – Skiing in Cadillac

Back in the day, the Cadillac area was the state’s first ski destination. That legacy is a point of pride for the area, but Cadillac’s storied past does not mean that the area is resting on its laurels. These days, Michigan’s oldest ski destination is also...

The Cadillac Snowmobile Experience

Many have been in anticipation of the trails opening to ride since the cold weather set in, while others have been working on the area trails year around. Those year around warriors are our Cadillac Area Winter Promotions volunteers. The Cadillac Area Winter...

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...

#ExploreCadillac Bucket List Item – The Walk Around Lake Cadillac

For years, I told my husband Mike that we should trek the 7+ mile walk around Lake Cadillac. We revisited the topic, picked a day where the weather looked great, and planned for it. Having it coincide with Michigan Trails Week was a nice addition, as the path...

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...

Walking & Restoring the Old Indian Trail: Footsteps, Stonework, and Shared History

There’s something special about starting your day on a trail before most people have poured their first cup of coffee. At 7:00 AM, with a cool northern Michigan breeze and soft morning light filtering through the trees, I stepped onto the Old Indian Trail at Lake...