Rails to Trails:
Reed City, Michigan
The White Pine Trail runs from Rockford to Cadillac. It's juncture at
Reed City is special in that this is where it crosses the Pere MarquetteTrail.
The meeting point for the two Trails can be accessed from the parking lot at the east end of Upton Street.
Although still unpaved, this Trail makes for a nice stroll, as it parallels
Chestnut Street one block east and still provides easy access to the
City's main businesses. Be sure to visit the north side of the trail, and
take a walk on the bridge over the Hersey River. From that vantage
point, you can overlook the Linear Park trail, viewing the park almost all the way from one end to the other.
Keep watching for further development of this trail, as its potential is high for excellent biking and hiking along its 92 mile path.
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS:
Trail Overview
- Longest rail-to-trail corridor in Michigan
- Comstock Park Southern Terminus, Cadillac Northern Terminus
- 5 county area, Kent, Montcalm, Mecosta, Osceola, Wexford
- Corridor width ranges from 36 to 200 feet wide, (avg. width 100 feet)
- The trail has 14 open deck bridges
- Largest bridge, White's Bridge, 319 feet long, crosses the Muskegon River, one mile north of Big Rapids
- At least 17 staging areas are planned along the trail.
Funding Overview
- 92 miles long, 1,125 acres
- Purchased on July 20, 1994, from the Michigan Department of Transportation
- Former Penn Central Railroad (also know as Michigan Northern)
- Acquisition Cost, $850,850
- Funding Source: MNRTF $485,000 and ISTEA $400,000
- Development costs, to-date:
- Deck and rail White's Bridge: $120,000 funding source Recreation Improvement Fund (RIF)
- Basic trail improvements/RIF, ISTEA, Snowmobile Fund
- West River Drive Pedestrian Bridge: $638,000
Park Overview
- Rail will be developed to barrier-free specifications as basic improvements are completed
- Current trail surface is natural ballast and gravel, with 13 miles of asphalt pavement from Reed City to Big Rapids and 8 � miles from north of Rockford to Belmont.
Cadillac
Cadillac is located at the northern boundary of the White Pine Trail. A well-marked staging area is accessed from M-115 between US 131 and Lake Cadillac.
Cadillac is an established resort community with lodging, restaurants, attractions and shopping. The White Pine Trail leads one to the edge of town and all the amenities.
A perfect destination for all White Pine Trail users, Cadillac offers year round family fun for all!
For more information, call the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau at 1-800-988-3950 or write the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau at 222 Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601.
Big Rapids/Mecosta County
The historic train depot welcomes you to the quaint downtown Big Rapids shopping district. A variety of restaurants, two bike shops and a variety of specialty stores await you. Public restrooms are conveniently located at City Hall.
Just north of Big Rapids, the village of Paris features a beautiful county park . . . Paris Park. Take a break and stroll through the park and see the majestic Muskegon River. The park is a great place to camp or try the Paris Motel. The villages of Morley and Stanwood are located just south of Big Rapids. You will see picturesque views of Amish farms throughout the area.
For complete lodging information and visitors guide, call the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-833-6697 or 231-796-4036.
Grand Rapids/Kent County
The embarking point of the White Pine Trail is in Grand Rapids, the gateway to beautiful West Michigan. The towns of Comstock Park, Rockford, Cedar Springs and Sand Lake border the trail.
When you have reached the end of your trail, come experience one or several of Grand Rapids' attractions. The Van Andel Museum Center offers three floors of interactive exhibits, a planetarium and a working carousel. John Ball Park Zoo, Michigan's second largest zoo houses over 500 animals plus a fantastic aquarium. Visit the tropics at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a botanical garden and premiere sculpture park. Don't forget a date with history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
For more information on the Grand Rapids/Kent County area contact the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 130 Monroe Center, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or *800) 678-9859.
State Parks & Recreation Area Rules
- R299.321 State Park & recreation lands; prohibited acts generally.
- Rule 1. A person shall not commit any of the following acts in a state park or recreation area. (a) Enter, use, or occupy, state-owned lands or waters for any purposes when the lands are posted prohibiting such entry, use, or occupancy, as determined by the director of the department of natural resources. (b) Destroy, damage, or remove state property, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, planted grasses, or other vegetation. This subdivision does not apply to the picking and removal of mushrooms, berries and edible fruits or nuts. (g) Build fires except in designated places or except in stoves or grills approved by an authorized representative of the department of natural resources. (h) Dump, place, throw or leave, or cause or permit the dumping, placing, throwing, or leaving of litter in any park, recreation land, or waters, except in containers provided.
- R299.323 Motor vehicles; prohibitions.
Rule 3. A person shall not commit any of the following acts in a state park or recreation area. (a) Operate or park a motor vehicle except on designated roads or designated parking lots. (b) Operate a motor-driven vehicle or any motorized device except on roads and parking lots constructed for the operation of licensed vehicles. - R299.324 Animals; prohibited acts.
Rule 4. A person shall not commit any of the following acts in a state park or recreation area. (a) Possess a dog or other animal unless it is under immediate control on a leash not exceeding 6 (six) feet in length.
- (c) Ride, permit, or allow horses or other riding animals without written permission, except on bridle trails and in horseman's campgrounds designated by the department of natural resources, or under proper written permission issued for field dog trials.
- Camping is not allowed on the White Pine Trail State Park.
Back to the Top.White Pine Trail State Park, (517)373-9900
Cadillac Visitors Bureau, 1-800-22LAKES
Mecosta County Visitors Bureau, 1-800-833-6697
Grand Rapids/Kent County Visitors Bureau, 1-800-678-9859
Provided by the White Pine Trail State Park - P.O. Box 30257 - Lansing, MI 48909 - (517)373-9900
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