Michigan
Shore-to-Shore Trail
About this riding route
The Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail runs the width of the Lower Peninsula, from Lake Michigan near Empire to Lake Huron at Oscoda, and it is the longest continuous marked equestrian trail east of the Mississippi. The Michigan Trail Riders Association maintains it and runs organized crossings each year. Most of it is sand two-track through jack pine and hardwood, with designated horse camps spaced roughly a day’s ride apart.
The Michigan classic, Lake Michigan at Empire across the state to Lake Huron at Oscoda.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- A genuine coast-to-coast crossing of the Lower Peninsula
- Designated horse camps spaced about a day of riding apart
- Sand two-track through the Huron-Manistee National Forests for most of the length
- Organized group rides run the full route several times a season
Stops
- 1
Empire
The Lake Michigan end, near Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- 2
Goose Creek Trail Camp
Central horse camp near Grayling, roughly the midpoint.
- 3
Oscoda
The Lake Huron end, at the mouth of the Au Sable.
When to go
Best time to go
May through October. Black flies peak in late May and June.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 10h 49m
Before you go
Know before you go
- Deep sand is the dominant footing. Condition horses for it before a multi-day crossing.
- Camps are first come, first served in most cases. Confirm before planning around one.
- Michigan requires certified weed-free forage in state forest camps.
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