Rockport State Recreation Area — Attraction in Alpena Township

(CAUTION FOR BEGINNERS) As a first-time mountain biker, I explored the trails at Rockport State Recreation Area, and while there are some beautiful sections, be warned: this is not a beginner-friendly path, especially as you venture deeper.

​The initial ~3 miles are genuinely lovely, offering beautiful views and a relatively well-paved, rocky path. However, past this point, the trail quickly becomes unkempt and signs are confusing. Tall grass obstructs visibility and depth perception, small holes become prevalent, and the rocky path transforms into an unrideable terrain with large, trip-inducing stones.

​CRITICAL WARNING: AVOID the section between points 20 and 6. The "trail" here is non-existent. I encountered at least 6-foot-tall grass, deep mud, and water-filled sinkholes – it felt like walking through a swamp. It's a nice area for photos, but DO NOT attempt to ride or walk through it. Turn around!

​Despite the challenges, there were some highlights. I rode points 1-8, 10, 15, 19, and 20. Besides getting stuck at point 20, the rest was enjoyable. I found delicious wild raspberries, spotted several deer, and the sinkhole and lake were beautiful, inviting spots for a swim.

​Overall, great for experienced riders who know how to navigate challenging, unmaintained trails, but beginners should proceed with extreme caution and stick to the very...

I love it every time I go to this park. Rockport is a beautiful place with tons and tons and tons of rocks. It used to be a doc for the ships that carried the limestone. The current from Lake Huron has eroded the old port and now it is just a sightseeing adventure. This time I took my four grandkids with me. They absolutely loved to climb the hills and go out on the old dock and look down into the very deep water, scaring their Nana to death. These grandchildren consist of two sets of twins, one girl boy set of twins and a set of identical boy twins. They are six and eight and they are extremely active. They could have stayed here for a very long time but it was kind of cold and windy for them to be out there for too long. I will take them back in the summer when we can stay a little...

Zero stars for signage and trail maintenance. The small/short pathway out to the pier is nearly washed out. One or two big storms and it will be gone.

The quarry is full of fossils. Just hard to find. No cell coverage so do your homework before you arrive and download a map. I started at post #1 and headed north to post 2. I gave up after post 3! Never did find post 4.

I had better luck heading south. Found post #28. And headed to post 27. Not much signage but easier to follow what appears to be a fairly straight old road bed.

Highly recommend hiking boots (mud puddles and uneven terrain) bug spray, hammer and chisel, water, and a back pack to carry out your fossils and rocks....