Distance: 2.3-mile loop
Type: Interpretive trail
Terrain: Old growth pines
Difficulty: Easy
Named from an early logging railroad spur, Mertz Grade Trail is a 2-mile plus loop that extends on both sides of M-93 and can be picked up from Hartwick Pines picnic area or the trailhead along Bobcat Trail that also serves as the start of the Au Sable River Trail.
A portion of the trail follows the historic Mertz logging railroad spur and on the west side of M-93 you pass some impressive white pines. There are also 17 numbered posts that correspond to an interpretive brochure available on this web site or from the Michigan Forest Visitor Center.
But overall this foot path is not nearly as interesting a hike as the Au Sable River Trail just to the north of it. At times you find yourself walking through a matchstick stand of aspen.
Nor do you ever see Hartwick Lake. The spur that many park maps show extending to it is almost impossible to locate while the shallow, marshy lake is of little interest to anglers.
From the south end of the parking area in the picnic area a spur near the old logging museum leads to the Mertz Grade Trail, reaching it just past post No. 17. This description begins at the trailhead and parking area on Bobcat Trail.
Click Here to Print a Trail Map:
Click Here to Print an Interpretive Brochure:
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