mason tract pathway

Remember the Chronicles of Narnia, when the characters step through the wardrobe into a snowy fairyland? That's how you'll feel when you slip into the forest on this trail from its Chase Bridge Road entrance. This is an intermediate-rated trail because of a couple of hills a few miles in, but if you're nervous,take your skis off and walk down, because the experience of skiing this trail is entirely worth it. About one mile in, take a pathway leading to an overlook of the South Branch of the Au Sable. You'll be calmed, refreshed and never sorry you chose to take this trail. The trail will be groomed for traditional striding only by the Friends of the Mason Tract, so leave your skate skis in the car. Do the entire trail best by starting from the north end near Canoe Harbor campground because the hills will be generally not a problem as there are some doozies at that end. Spot one car there and another at the other end. Coming from the Chase Bridge side, those same hills will be an issue for beginners. Just take off your skis again. The entire trail will take intermediates not racing each other about four hours. Again, start from the north end if you're doing the entire thing. Otherwise, ski in as far as you like from Chase Bridge, and enjoy it all again on your backtrack trip to your car.

The mason tract is a special experience with over 3500 acres of pristine wilderness with the south branch of the ausable river running right thru it. Very few homes in this stretch of rivers that it takes about 5 hours to float. Wildlife galore and silence. Beaver Slides, eagles, the mason chapel, Durant castle. A huge Thank You to George Mason for his generous donation to the people of Michigan.

This is a beautiful unspoiled area with great access to incredible fly fishing, Great place for medium difficulty hiking and dog walking. Views of the river are breathtaking.

Not many non locals know about the Mason Tract. It has a 11 mile trail system that is great for running or cross country skiing. It runs along the river and there is nothing better while skiing or running to look down at the river. There is a campground though I have never stayed there. No charge so the skiing is free. You can access it off of M-72 or by chase Bridge. I rarely see anyone on the trails and only occassionaly see another car parked there. Dogs are welcome.

Canoeing paradise!! Please, take out what you bring in!!!! Water has been low this year, we've not had much rain. You may find yourself "ca-pushing" instead of canoeing if not careful. :) Lots of wildlife if you're quiet. Don't litter!!

We drove and hiked through portions of the Mason Tract Wilderness. We were very disappointed to see the EXTENSIVE logging that has taken place in the surrounding wilderness. It is obvious that they have been logging for several years. From the appearance of the regrowth, it looks like they log select portions every year. I do understand the reasons for logging, such as fire suppression, creation of habitat for species such as the Kirtland's Warbler, etc. But I suspect the main reason for logging is financial gain. The Forest Service would be in serious financial trouble if they were not heavily bankrolled by the logging industry. I would love to see them have the vision to leave some intact areas in Michigan to develop into old-growth forest eventually. I cannot think of a better place in Michigan to allow regrowth than the pristine wilderness of the Mason Tract. Other than that, the roads are rough. We had a four wheel drive pickup so we were fine. I would be very careful if you do not have 4-wheel. A car can probably make it down the main road, although it is bumpy and washer-board. They have definitely not been spending their logging revenue on road maintenance. But I would not recommend leaving the main road without 4 wheel. Roads are poorly marked. The river is beautiful and pristine. Logging has not occured close to the river banks. Next time we will kayak the river to avoid the logging blight.

Wilderness, pristine, perfect. Quietly awesome with the water carrying us along in our canoe. So breath takingly beautiful.

This is my favorite part of the Au Sable river system. Browns and brookies towards Roscommon, some 'bows near the main stream and M-72. Good hatches and gorgeous views. Tha canoe trade is not as bad as other stretches of water in the area. The floaters also tend towards sobriety so they shouldn't bother you.

There is a small chapel located on the rivers edge. Open to the public and very peaceful and serene. If you're driving you'll want four wheel drive, or at least a truck and knowledge of driving off road in the sand and woods. There are no signs, but if you're good with a map you should be okay. Once you get to the end of the two track road there is a small area to park, it's at a dead end and there is a gate, which is about the only way you'll know you're there. The chapel is a short walk up and over a hill towards the river. If you got stuck out here, it would take some time and $$$ to get pulled out. You can also stop by the chapel if you take a canoe trip out of Roscommon, the canoe rental places will know what you are talking about. There is a small dock and it's a great place to stop and simply reflect on the beauty of Northern MI. There are no real facilities there, but there are outhouses for the most basic need.