With an almost endless number of different trails to choose from, it is inevitable that some would rise in popularity while others go unnoticed, but this doesn’t mean that the lesser-known ones are any less beautiful.

Vice-President of the Thunder Bay Trails Association Don La Barre recently discussed a few trails located in Alpena and the surrounding counties that he sees as hidden gems that have flown under people’s radar.

The first trail that La Barre recommends as a bit of a hidden gem is the Alpena Township Nature Preserve. Located at 8040 Misery Bay Rd, the Alpena Township Nature Preserve is a relatively small park that despite having only five named trails, offers a variety of diverse and beautiful environments.

The preserve is a peninsula that sits between El Cajon Bay and Lake Huron. In the waterway that leads into El Cajon Bay, there is a sinkhole and, at the tip of the trail on the coast, one can see a number of islands just east of North Point.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Vice-President of the Thunder Bay Trails Association Don La Barre earlier this month discusses trails he considers to be hidden gems in the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library.

“It’s this really beautiful system because you’re kind of between two water sources,” La Barre said about the Alpena Township Nature Preserve. “It’s a really manageable hike. It’s a really great place to take the dog on a leash and just kind of enjoy nature.”

Another area that La Barre singled out as a hidden gem close to Alpena is Norway Ridge Pathway. Located on Werth Road, Norway Ridge Pathway is a seven-mile trail that sits on top of the ridge system and offers a beautiful view of trees and wildlife, especially towards the end of the trail.

“That’s a really great one,” La Barre said about Norway Ridge Pathway. “It’s not too demanding, there are a few ups and downs but it’s really pretty. The back section, if you can get to it, has these huge trees that are a sight to behold.”

For those who are willing to make a bit more of a trek and are looking for a good bike trail, La Barre recommends Chippewa Hills Pathways, located on Kissau Road in Hubbard Lake.

“It’s a great mountain biking spot,” La Barre said, talking about the Chippewa Hills Pathways. “It’s a lot more hilly, with a beautiful ton of maples. And when the colors come in October the whole place turns orange.”

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi The shore of Lake Huron in the Alpena Township Nature Preserve earlier this month.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi The coast of El Cajon Bay in the Alpena Township Nature Preserve is pictured earlier this month. In the waterway that leads into El Cajon Bay, there is a sinkhole and, at the tip of the trail on the coast, one can see a number of islands just east of North Point.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi A trail is seen at Chippewa Hills Pathways.