By bonzott in July, 2011
First, I've got to say that I have logged over 800 miles on the southern half of the White Pine Trail. It is a very scenic and rider-friendly trail, with gentle slopes, a nice downhill run between Russell Road and Rockford, many places to stop and view the wildlife. It is a well-travelled route, with everything from families walking with their toddlers to serious bicycle enthusiasts speeding along in their racing bikes.
I wanted to comment on the directions to the southern trailhead. The reference to Belmont is to a trail spot, but certainly not a trailhead in the strict sense of the word. To get there, take exit 95 from US131.Turn left (east) on Post Road from the exit ramp, following it to Belmont Road. Take Belmont Road about a quarter of a mile to Rouge River Park. The trail passes right by the Park.
There is a branch of the trail at 5th3rd Ballpark. The west branch goes through Comstock Park and all of its restaurants and shopping. There is plenty of parking all along the trail in town. To get there, take exit 91 from US-131 and turn right. That will take you right into town. The trail is all along the road on the right. According to one article I read (West Michigan Trails Magazine) Comstock Park is the official starting point for the White Pine Trail.
The other branch goes to the Butterworth Trail, heading south into Grand Rapids.
Overall, I think Michigan is doing an excellant job of providing trails for everyone to enjoy no matter where you live in the state. I just hope the support continues, not just from the legislature, but the people who use it!
By patterna in June, 2011
The directions to the southern part of the trail do not seem to be accurate. Perhaps they are merely out-of-date. I could not find the trail head in Belmont and ended up parking at an abandoned business and getting on the trail, which was just a few yards away. The first time I did this, I headed north past Rockford. The second time I wanted to see where the trail really started so headed south and went past 53rd Ball Park. I had done the first half of my regular 10 mile ride, so turned around and went back to my car. But the trail seemed to go on much further past my stopping point, which was about a mile past the ball park.
I ride a Sun trike and found the trail worked well for that rig. It's not the fastest trike but people had no problem passing me. There is an ice cream shop right by the trail on the Comstock Park spur and you can ride right up to the window and order a cone.
By Blockman24 in September, 2010
Theirs a place west of lake cadillac on the old M-55 road west and just north of the Campground . Its a bit out of the way but well worth it. The restaurant is called the Da doghouse best coneydogs out of town. And their is a small side pathway on M-115 just before campground. The White pine trails are great.