Vasa Pathway:
Michigan
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Description:
Managed under agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Grand Traverse County, and TART Trails, the Vasa Pathway is located amid the pristine beauty of the Pere Marquette State Forest. The Pathway, utilized by cross country skiers, mountain bikers, walkers, and naturalists, features a series of loops and trails that offer both challenging and easier routes for every level of user.
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Parking & Trail Access:
There is free parking and bathroom facilities located at the trailhead off Bartlett Road.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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3k Meadows trail
By Kim in August, 2006
"Apparently little used. First 1k was mostly obvious, beginning mowed. But after you find the first bench, the 1k marker was a bit tricky - from then on.... GOOD LUCK! I wandered through and around the meadow area for almost 40 min then barely managed to get back to the marker and the bench. The map on the marker is little help as it's so weathered and difficult to read. Maybe they intend it for more ski/snow shoe use in the winter and don't bother to maintain it in the summer. {shrug}"
Not Prepared or Equipped to Handle
By Kristi Brunst in October, 2005
"The reason I picked this particular trail over the other TART Trails it was woodsey (Pere Marquette State Forest), and I love riding on trails in woods because they are less congested, and one gets to enjoy the lovely scenery, wildlife, smells, etc. We have cross/hybrid bikes and found that one really needs MOUNTAIN bikes when riding this trail (with big, thick knobby tires). We found much sand on the trails, which our tires could not grab onto and just spun around instead. There were a few times when we would have to get off the bikes and walk them up VERY steep hills, and a couple times we took spills in the sand. It is a gorgeous place though, right in the heart of the woods, with tons of beautiful scenery (including mushrooms and black squirrels). We also were not as in shape as we would have liked to be which didn’t help. We biked for about 7 miles total, starting out going toward the 25km loop and back (3 in/3 back) and our average speed was only 5mph, so it was more of a workout than a pleasure ride. I would love to go back and try cross country skiing on that trail and/or hiking/walking. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience (absolutely gorgeous place with nice facilities), but we’ll know better next time what to expect and what to bring, etc. I'd also like to come back in a couple weeks (or so?)when the leaves are turning colors for the season. We also road 6-7 miles of the TART trail which was much better on our bikes and bodies (more urban, populated, and much less scenic). Our avg speed on this trail was about 12-15mph. This is a nice trail along the train track through the city. It is a wide paved trail, and one you could take your kids on and make it a family event...not difficult, nor tiresome."
Trail is groomed in winter for skiing!
By in February, 2003
"I have biked on the Vasa Pathway and am aware of how beautiful the trail is, but I was shocked to see the parking lot so full in the dead of winter. The trail is groomed for both classic and freestyle x-country skiing by the local trail group. Thank you for the exquisite winter wonderland experience! I recommend this trail and the area to others. Traverse City is nearby and the downtown is filled with unique shopping and is situated just south of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay!"
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Acme Township to Acme Township
Counties: Grand Traverse
Trail Length: 28 miles
Trail Category: Greenway/Non-RT
Trail Surfaces: Grass, Woodchips, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032441

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.