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We enjoyed this ride, all 45 miles, from Creekside Park in Lowell to Greenville and back. The surface wasn't nice asphalt, but kinda rough. Some areas were worn smoothish from use - so not terrible. But we will were able to keep a good pace. The bathrooms in Belding were locked on the Saturday morning of Memorial weekend, but there was a lovely porta potty we could use. What's the point of bathrooms if we can't use them? (Side note, the bathrooms at Creekside Park in Lowell were unlocked and very nice. The sign on the bathrooms said they opened at 10 am, but we were there earlier than that and they were open. Thanks, Lowell.)
We saw several turtles, including a few snappers that appeared to be laying eggs on the edge of the path, but we didn't too close to verify that because we like to keep our fingers. Also saw some deer, a quail, birds, and a bunny.
Beware, southbound once you get around Smyrna there is a long uphill section. Not steep because trains are wimpier than I am, but it was a long section.
I've been running a couple different out and back stretches between McPherson Ave and Greenville about three times a week from spring to fall for about 4 years now.
I can see how the surface might not be good for skinny wheel bikes in areas, but for runners. the surface is pretty great. Not only is it a softer impact surface than asphalt, even better, no crown in the path is needed to shed water. No crown means a perfect flat surface across the path. I can run on the sides, out of biker's way, and not have one leg travelling farther than the other to make up for the drop in the crown, screwing up my hips and back.
Sounds amazing underfoot, too.
Not to mention the nature and surroundings.
I ran by a fawn sleeping right in the middle of the path a couple days ago. Eagles, Sand Hill Cranes, Fox, all kinds of water birds. It's amazing.
Please never pave this path. Touch it up here and there, but no asphalt.
Wonderful ride! I only rode between Dalton and Ravenna, so perhaps the quality of the trail changes after Ravenna. But today, the trail was near perfect! Sure, there are stop signs every few miles---often crossing lightly travelled roads; and, yeah, there were some cracks or root heaves here and there. But honestly, neither of those issues were even issues. I'm a long-distance cyclist that just moved to Michigan. I can't wait to explore more of these wonderful trails and roads! Thank you!!
I decided to take my road bike for a trip from Cadillac down to Big Rapids where the trail is closed for paving and back to Cadillac. I agree with Cecelia's review from Sep, 23 in that the asphalt paving is old and bumpy between Reed City and Big Rapids. Also the trail was closed between Hibma Rd south to Cleveland Rd in Tustin. The detour is gravel roads that are loose sand and very difficult to navigate with 32mm or thinner tires!
With the exception of the portion of trail north of Reed City that runs along Hwy 131 the the scenery is awesome running through rivers, hills, valleys, farms and small towns.
I am wondering if there's anyone assigned to blow the trail clean from leaves, twigs and branches? There were quite a bit of that along the way. In comparison to the Macomb/Orchard trail for example which is very well maintained all year round it seemed a bit unkempt.
Overall it is an awesome trail that I hope is better maintained than what I experienced on my recent trip and look forward to returning next year when the whole trail will be paved.
Approx 1.5 miles in length, flat and paved trail across the street from the Weathervane in Montague
Biked from Whitehall-Montague to Hart and back for a nice 46-mile round trip. We are in our mid-60's and stayed in Whitehall after traveling from PA. Set out early on a beautiful end of Summer day. Trail is paved and very good condition. Stopped for lunch at Country Dairy, just North of New Era. Great food, and very clean, They also offer bike rentals. In Shelby is a Dollar Store if you would need anything. Trail is mainly open farmlands, very little shade and rolls through many small towns. Some road crossings but not too much traffic on those. Trail services in Whitehall and Hart. At the Whitehall-Montague end is the World's Largest Weathervane. In Whitehall you will find White Lake and the White River good for kayaking among swans and other wildlife. Waterdog Outfitters offers bike and kayak rentals.
Nice September ride. Parked in Whitehall/Montague and picked up the White Lake Pathway for a few miles and connected to the Fred Meijer Berry Junction trail into North Muskegon. Trail is paved and very good condition. Trail services in North Muskegon. Always an enjoyable ride on this trail!
Picked up the trail in Whitehall/Montague and connected with the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail. This trail is paved and goes through town and a small park.
Do you know how much I love the white pine trail? So much! Particularly, between Cadillac and Reed City. Such beautiful woods, marshes, streams, farms, wide open spaces, snakes, turtles, frogs, birds, eagles, hawks, cows, horses, pileated woodpeckers, indigo buntings, and so many other friends. I am a cyclist, runner, and hiker. I've had some of my best runs, hikes, and bike rides on this trail. Chi miigwech ~ thank you!
Also, horses are not allowed but I have seen horse poop between Tustin and LeRoy. I supposed the Amish community use the trail but they can also use the roads. I hope this gets better enforced. As the signs note along the trail equestrian, snowmobile, and motorized vehicles are prohibited. You may see a DNR vehicle from time to time.
I agree with drwelldog's review from July 2022. The WPT from Cadillac to Reed City is heaven on earth! However, from Reed City to Big Rapids it is paved but bumpy, worn, rough, and there are some potholes. I usually ride between 13-15 mph so I had to slow down to not hit bump after bump. I know a section south is being paved but looks like this section could use an update. The bushes also need to be trimmed back so you can better see through the foliage. We want the woods to be as they are but also safety is key, especially for solo riders.
Originally saw how nice the trail was in Lowell, decided to ride to Belding and back. After first few miles of beautiful trails it quickly became quite rough, actually very rough. We made it round trip but will definitely not be back. It’s unfortunate it’s not being maintained. We live closer to and have ridden the Kal Haven Trail which is a lot nicer. Also surprised there are no restrooms anywhere on the trail.
68 year old couple. Started out on Labor Day at the Hart trailhead at 11 am in 90 degree weather. It took 2.5 hours to get to Montague with a few stops along the way, the longest of which was at Country Dairy (recommended!). At that time of day I'd say about 60-70% was shade. It's a beautiful, flat, smooth trail.
We stayed overnight at the Weathervane Hotel and walked to Sawyer's Brewpub for a couple beers and Dog and Suds burgers. :-)
The next morning we left for Hart at 9, again in 90 degree weather. Thankfully at that time of day the trail was 90% shade. Arrived in Hart at 11.
The only thing that could improve this trail would be if it had more curves......it is straight!
We will be back.
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