Visitors Find Outdoor Adventure in Every Corner
Visitors to Atlanta, Hillman and Lewiston will find that the wilderness surrounds you, from well-groomed snowmobile trails, to backpacking adventures to some of the best golf packages available in northern Michigan.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a great opportunity to enjoy biking along clearly marked mountain bike trails carved through acres upon acres of public forest land. Keeping your eye on the trail may prove difficult with the wide variety of spectacular vistas you will see along the trails.
Birders will find a significant collection of our fine feathered friends with eagle, osprey, Kirtland’s warbler, blue heron, rookeries, sandhill cranes, ducks, geese, hawks, owls and numerous song birds. Be sure to bring along your favorite pair of binoculars for this wildlife adventure.
Campers will also find plenty of places to unwind on the thousands of acres of public land that comprise Montmorency County. Waterfront sites at fishing camps and resorts located along Fletcher’s Pond, Grass and Rush Lakes are easily accessible along state trunk lines. State forest campgrounds, along with Clear Lake State Park near Atlanta and Emerick Park located in Hill-man round out your choices.
Superb canoeing and fishing are available along the scenic Thunder Bay River. Canoe rentals are available in Atlanta.
Michigan’s premier elk herd calls northeast Michigan home and with a little luck you just might catch a glimpse of these elusive and majestic animals. No matter what the season, you should be able to find elk roaming about. Thunder Bay Resort offers an alternative to those who may not be as adventuresome. At Thunder Bay Resort, you can join a guided ride around the resort and the chances increase to 100%, Elk-viewing packages are offered by the resort. Dinner is an excellent meal prepared over an authentic wood cook stove at the rustic gas lit “Elkhorn Cabin.”
If fishing is part of your vacation plans, you have come to the right place.
Fletcher’s Pond is one of Michigan’s largest inland waters, encompassing more than 8,600 acres of warm water habitat. The “Floodwaters” is famous for northern pike, perch and pan fish. Hundreds of miles of excellent trout streams wind their way through Montmorency County, as well as many lakes offering great fishing during all four seasons.
Swimming is available in several county lakes. East Twin Lake in Lewiston, Clear Lake State Park in Atlanta and Ess Lake near Hillman provide a beach for swimming activity.
Golfers will also find a good opportunity to get in a round of golf while visiting. Golf and lodging packages are available at Thunder Bay Golf Resort. The award-winning Elk Ridge Golf Course, located in Atlanta and Garland, near Lewiston highlight the quality golf courses in the area.
Backpackers and hikers alike will find that Montmorency County has a perfect trail just for them. Hike and camp along the 10-mile “High Country Pathway” through Elk Country or follow hundreds of miles of trails that criss-cross the landscape.
Hunters will find deer, turkey, elk, grouse, woodcock, rabbits, bobcat, coyote, ducks, geese and bear. Guided hunts on private land for archery, rifle and muzzle loader deer seasons are available.
When early May arrives, it signals the start of mushroom season. Tasty morel mushrooms and beefsteak mushrooms can be found in the vast tracks of hardwood forest. Lewiston features a Mushroom Festival in early May for those interested in participating in a weekend of gourmet delights.
Off-road vehicles (ORV) will find that there are miles of designated ORV and motorcycle trails available.
You have heard about “sink holes” that are created by limestone pockets and, this is where you can find them. Explore these geological formations found in the northern part of Montmorency County.
Snowmobilers will enjoy miles of well- groomed and maintained trails. Trails in the county are connected to the state snowmobile trail system, allowing visitors to travel virtually unlimited miles and participate in one of Michigan’s most popular winter activities.
We have not forgotten the cross-country skier. There are a number of groomed trails at resorts, as well as opportunities for wilderness trail breaking.
For more information, contact the
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Hillman Chamber of Commerce at 989.742.3739 or
Lewiston Chamber of Commerce by email