Au Gres, Tawas, Oscoda & nearby trails

Walking & Biking Guide

Explore local nature preserves, shoreline bike paths, birding walks, river-bluff trails, and winter routes near Lake Huron Cabin Rentals.

Tap any map image to enlarge it before heading out.

Trail maps

Start with the map

These local guide maps show the main nearby walking, biking, birding, and winter trail areas. Open them larger on your phone before you leave the cabin.

Wigwam Bay / Arenac

Best for wetlands, dikes, wildlife viewing, birding, and rustic preserve walks.

Tawas Bay / East Tawas

Best for paved shoreline biking, Tawas Point, lighthouse views, and sandy walking loops.

Oscoda / Au Sable Inland

Best for forest trails, river-bluff views, mountain biking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Au Gres & Arenac Trails

Walking Birding Wetlands

Eickholt‑Pressprich Nature Preserve

This wetland preserve near Au Gres is a good stop for wildlife watching, wildflowers, and spring migration birding.

Access: Turn south from US‑23 onto South Tonkey Road. Park along the north side of East Michigan Avenue near South Tonkey Road.

Open preserve info →
Walking Birding Hunting area

Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area

A 3,137-acre coastal marsh state wildlife area on Saginaw Bay. Gravel-topped dikes offer foot access through wetland habitat.

Good for: shorebirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, marsh wildlife, and quiet nature walks.

Open DNR info →
Walking Birding Wildlife

Standish Nature Preserve

A mature hardwood and wetland preserve with a short nature experience, a small pond area, and birding opportunities.

Access: East off Arenac State Road onto Bordeau Road. Cross LaFave Road and park on the south side near the trailhead.

Open preserve info →
Walking Snowshoeing Rustic

Saganing Nature Preserve

A dense woodland and delta wetland area near the Saganing River. Trails are rustic, seasonal, and not always well established.

Access: Turn east from Arenac State Road onto Worth Road, drive past the casino, and park near the preserve gate.

Open preserve info →

Tawas & East Tawas Routes

Biking Walking Paved

Alabaster Pathway & Tawas Bay Pathway

A paved non-motorized route along Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. It connects toward Tawas Point State Park and is part of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail network.

Best for: easier shoreline biking, walking, water views, and a longer paved outing.

Open Tawas Point info →
Walking Birding Snowshoeing

Sandy Hook Nature Trail

A 1.5-mile interpretive loop at Tawas Point State Park with sandy shoreline, dunes, bay views, and strong birding potential.

Access: From US‑23, turn east onto Tawas Beach Road and follow signs into Tawas Point State Park.

Open trail info →

Oscoda & Au Sable Inland Trails

Walking Horseback No bikes

Shore‑to‑Shore Trail

The 220-mile Michigan Shore‑to‑Shore Trail runs from Empire near Lake Michigan to Au Sable on Lake Huron.

Note: This route is primarily for horseback riders and hikers, not bicycles.

Open DNR trail info →
Walking Snowshoeing River views

Highbanks Trail

A roughly 7-mile trail along the bluffs of the Au Sable River, with access near Iargo Springs and Lumberman’s Monument off River Road.

Winter note: Sites may be open but not maintained. Plan for no toilet facilities during off-season visits.

Walking Biking Skiing

Eagle Run

About 7 miles of loop trails west of Oscoda near the Au Sable River. This is a strong option for hiking, mountain biking, wildflowers, and cross-country skiing.

Access: Off the River Road National Scenic Byway.

Walking Skiing Snowshoeing

Corsair Trails

A 28.3-mile one-way trail system through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, with terrain ranging from easy rolling sections to more difficult hills.

Access: Trailheads are located along Monument Road. Fees may apply at trailheads.

Open Forest Service info →
Before you go

Plan for changing trail conditions

  • Wear bright colors in wildlife and hunting areas.
  • Park only in designated areas and respect private-property boundaries.
  • Use extra caution near marsh edges, ditches, open water, and seasonal flooding.
  • Check official sources before longer trail days, winter trips, or rustic preserve visits.
  • Bring water, bug spray, sun protection, and footwear that can handle wet ground.
Stay close to the trails

Book your lake cabin basecamp

Spend the day exploring the Sunrise Side, then come back to a clean Lake Huron cabin with space to relax.