Department of Natural Resources forest management officials today announced two footbridges on the High Country Pathway have been closed for repair; one is located over the Black River, located in T31N, R1W, Section 1, Otsego County, and the other is over the Pigeon River, located in T33N, R1W, Section 16, Cheboygan County.

The Black River footbridge has a 3.7-mile temporary reroute marked so pathway users can go around the bridge. This detour takes trail users on Tin Shanty Bridge and Sawdust Pile roads. The pathway and roadways will be posted with signs to assist users in following the detour.

The Pigeon River footbridge has a 7.5-mile temporary reroute in place. This detour takes trail users on Campsite Road, the north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Trail and on Tin Bridge Road. Camping at Pine Grove State Forest Campground is available using a one-mile connector. The north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Trail is a hiking and horse trail. Mountain bikers need to keep in mind that other than on this temporary detour, the north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Trail is closed to mountain bike use in the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

The DNR expects all repairs to be completed soon. For more information or questions regarding the status of the bridge repairs or about the High Country Pathway, contact the Pigeon River Country Forest Headquarters at (989) 983-4101.

In the meantime, both footbridges are closed and should be considered unsafe. Fording/crossing the rivers is not recommended, because the river currents can be strong at these locations.