| The Greenways system in Alpena County
begins at the Rockport property. Rockport was an economically significant
limestone quarry and deepwater shipping port, through the first half of
the 20th century. Operations were later moved to Stoneport, a quarry
still in operation in Presque Isle Township. At Rockport, ruins of
the old stone processing equipment are still visible at several locations,
and the quarry walls are exposed. The old Rockport deep water pier
is accessible for viewing and shoreline fishing, and is immediately adjacent
to the State’s Rockport fishing launch site. Rockport is a popular
launch site for Salmon and Brown Trout fishing. Middle Island, including
the Middle Island Lighthouse (1905), lies offshore from Rockport.
An extensive network of foot trails lead throughout the Rockport site.
Outside the quarry and beach area, the property is heavily wooded. |
| South from Rockport, the Greenway route
follows a number of country roads through the sparsely populated farmlands
of northern Alpena Township. Although much of the land is still under
cultivation or in pasture use, many of the historic farm buildings have
been abandoned. Many of these buildings were constructed of native
fieldstone. Fieldstone fences can frequently be seen as well.
The flat to gently rolling terrain, long views, and scant traffic makes
bicycling in the area a pleasure. The route leads out to the Lake
Huron shoreline, with views of coastal wetlands, shoreline cabin development
and woodlands.
The City of Alpena is an important component
of the Huron Greenways. Throughout the City, the award-winning “Bi
Path” has been developed. This pathway maximizes travel along the
edge of the Thunder Bay River, Lake Huron, and through the City’s extensive
park system. Alpena’s city park system includes a number of beaches,
sports fields and picnic areas along Lake Huron, as well as a small boat
harbor adjacent to downtown. Old Town Alpena, along Second Street,
is within easy walking distance of the harbor, as are downtown shopping,
dining and recreational offerings. Historic structures downtown include
the Centennial Block (1876), the Depression-era Alpena County Courthouse,
and Alpena City Hall. The residential neighborhood surrounding Thompson
Park also features a number of historically significant 19th Century homes.
South of Alpena, the greenway follows Piper
Road into the Devil’s Lake area of Mackinac State Forest. The ski
trails of Norway Ridge, and an extensive network of snowmobile trails are
both available to hikers and bicyclists in the summer months.
Click on the map for an enlargement.
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ALPENA COUNTY - SITES OF INTEREST
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