Adventure Outdoors Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 82

Grayling, MI Kick off your summer with a Casual Adventure in Grayling, Michigan. Grayling’s rivers and trails make it a favorite family vacation spot. Ex- perience the magic of the AuSable and Manistee Rivers which are legendary for world class fly fishing. There are numerous fly shops, outdoor shops and guide services available. The rivers have a slow current, crystal-clear water and no rocks or rapids, just an easy 3-5 miles per hour. Canoeing or kayaking through beautiful forests of pine, birch and cedar on rivers perfect for beginners, couples, families or large groups is the ideal way to enjoy a warm summer day or to view magnificent fall colors. Catch an occasional glimpse of deer, mink, blue heron, several species of ducks, and other birds and wildlife. Enjoy trips with swimming, fish- ing, and picnicking. Kayaks are available for a unique out- door experience. Trips range in length from 2 1/2 hours to several days. After enjoying the rivers, there are miles of hiking and biking trails to delight the amateur or challenge the expert. Hanson Hills Recreation Area offers 18 miles of mountain biking trails and 21 miles of hiking trails. A ten-mile-long paved pathway starts in Grayling and ends at Hartwick Pines State Park. Golfing is popular with three courses available in the county: Forest Dunes, Fox Run and Grayling Country Club. Some of the more secluded hiking trails offer terrific oppor- tunities for bird watching. Birding is excellent in the Grayling area because of heavy forest growth. Enjoy some casual bird watching or work on your Life List! The area offers a wide variety of lodging and shopping op- tions. Full service restaurants, four breweries, delicatessens and bars offer an assortment of meal options. Grayling’s guests enter river time zone, where time has no meaning. Experience a Grayling Casual Adventure all your own.