In summer, access to Grayling is by air, riverboat, or barge. The state owns and operates gravel runway. No roads connect Grayling with other communities. Skiffs are used for transportation up and down the river during summer. Every other year, Grayling is a checkpoint on the annual 1,049 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Many supplies including groceries and other small items are bought in by airplane.