Trail Overview

Federal Forest Service Road (FS) 3163, also known as Old Castle Rock Trail, is a federally owned/ locally maintained, Level-2/ Level-3 forest road with a surface composition of dirt, sand, gravel, and native material. This route is currently open and in fair condition; it is not a DNR road (ORV use is subject to local government regulations). This route connects FS 3104 - Old Castle Rock Trail to FS 3163A Spur (there-and-back) and FS 3413- Hay Lake Road. Description created on September 17, 2025.

Photos of Old Castle Rock Trail - FS 3163

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Difficulty

Grass, dirt, gravel, sand, and a rooted path, typically unmaintained after rain or snow, that may give rise to shallow water crossings and obstacles under 12 inches on the trail, including small logs. This route is a narrow "Two-Track" that is one vehicle in width.

History

Castle Rock is a 195-foot limestone stack and an ancient Ojibwa lookout known as "Pontiac’s Lookout". Opened to tourists in 1929 by Clarence Eby, it has been a family-owned attraction for over 90 years. The site offers panoramic views of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island, and the Mackinac Bridge.

Technical Rating

Eric schalk

Aug 07, 2026

Obstructed

Washout

There’s a section where part of the trail is washed out and very muddy. You’d need high clearance and some skill to get through.

Cal

Jul 06, 2026

Obstructed

Impassable Water CrossingBroken Down Vehicle

Trail was flooded and a truck was high centered halfway through.

Alex Dinsmoor

Jun 06, 2026

2024 Ford Bronco

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Pretty significant muddy ruts >2ft. Lifted Bronco made it through okay but less than that may get sketchy.

Sander Huff

Jun 05, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

There are 2-3 foot drops on one side of the trail.