Trail 5 was a big project that required multiple work bees and great cooperation between USFS staff and Hungerford Trail Riders volunteers. Bridges through wetland were replaced with a sustainable turnpike that will address the issues long term. Work continued for almost a year on the project, but it’s now open and ready for use and riders are reporting back how nice it is to ride through that section. Thank you HTRA and USFS for your work on this project and all that you do. It’s definitely a favorite riding area in our state thanks to you!
Hungerford Recreation Area is operated by the Huron-Manistee National Forest and is located approximately seven miles West of Big Rapids, Michigan. Access to Hungerford Trails is located just North on Cypress Road and then a right on Hungerford Lake Drive. The campground season is open from May 1st through October 31ST.
The Hungerford Recreation Area is a non-motorized area consisting of 51 gorgeous miles of trails over 6,500 acres on National Forest System lands. The area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests. The horseback riding and mountain biking trails are two separate trails. The mountain bike trails are marked with yellow diamonds with a bike symbol; and the horse trails are marked with blue diamonds. Trail maps are provided at both the overnight campground and group campground; and the day use areas.
The trails go through heavily forested areas of oak, maple, aspen, and red and white pine. At times, riders will cross or utilize forest service roads. Parts of the trails are suitable for less experienced riders, while other segments offer a more experienced riding opportunity. The topography ranges from flat to hilly trails. Riders will experience a range in scenery as they ride through the heavily forested areas and into open fields and meadows.
Hungerford provides a variety of camping and trail riding options for horse enthusiasts consisting of weekend or week long camping at the overnight campground, group camping at the group campground, and (2)-Day Use areas for riders who chose to enjoy the trails for a few hours. The overnight campground is occupied on a ‘first-come/first-serve basis with 45 sites, a Solar Water Well, Pavilion, rustic toilets, and manure pits available to campers. The group campground has eight camp sites that holds 64 people; where each site accommodates 1-horse trailer, 2-vehicles, and 8-people.
Make sure to visit the picturesque Beaver Pond off of trail 18 for some stunning scenery. And a two hour (7 mile) walk ride will take you to the Woodville Country Store which welcomes horses and riders to visit. Provided are hitching posts and a mounting block so you can enjoy ice cream and other treats from the store. Follow the ice cream cone signs along the trails which lead the way.
The Hungerford Trail Riders Association helps to maintain, improve and preserve this are for trail riders. Join them for their two workbees and many events throughout the riding season.
Reservations are required for the group site