OUR MISSION
To enhance and fully develop the White Pine Trail State Park.
OUR VISION
The White Pine Trail State Park will provide a safe, accessible, inexpensive and environmentally friendly recreation opportunity.
OUR GOAL
To see the White Pine Trail Site Park have a paved surface from Comstock Park to Cadillac.
The Friends of the White Pine Trail is a 501(c)3 organization and is a totally VOLUNTEER organization. All contributions go to the trail of the "Friends" operating costs. Our purpose is to provide trail maintenance.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve trail conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
TRAIL SURFACE
The trail is surfaced with asphalt pavement. This paving work was completed at the end of 2023 with a few exceptions for culvert work. The total unpaved sections are around 5 miles and detours are planned for late summer. More details can be found in the Trail construction section below.
The complete trail is ADA compliant; with no grades greater than 5%; and at this point the only place where the grade is even close to the 5% is the approaches to the bridge over West River Road; located between Comstock Park and Belmont!
TRAIL USES
The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is considered to be a non-motorized trail; and that also means there are rules / guidelines on trail use!
Listed below are the overall approved and non-approved uses.
Bicycling - (non-motorized) is approved for all seasons - no exceptions
Walking - is approved for all seasons - no exceptions
Running / Jogging - is approved for all seasons - no exceptions
Skating - is approved for all seasons - no exceptions
Skiing - is approved for all seasons - no exceptions
Snowmobiling - is approved with the following conditions:
Horses - NOT ALLOWED
Dogs - Allowed but must be on a leash
Hunting - Not allowed in the State Park
Helpful Links:
DNR site: https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=508&type=SPRK
Michigan Trails Magazine: https://mitrails.org/fred-meijer-white-pine-trail-state-park-entire-trail.php?zoom_highlight=white+pine+trail
Please beware of the mowing and plowing equipment along the trail and allow them room to complete this work.
PAVING CONSTRUCTION
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UPDATE 6/17/2024 - Work in the two areas listed below is scheduled to begin late summer. As we get closer to the exact time, we will update this posting as DNR staff provide more specifics.
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The trail is paved except for areas with collapsed culvert work that delays full completion of the paving.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
A historic Ice House on the grounds of the Paris Hatchery, adjacent to the trail. Used frequently as a backdrop for a variety of photos.
An old train water tower now in the Ghost Village of Borland, located between Morley and Stanwood.
This culvert is 60 ft. below the surface of the trail and is estimated to be of WWI vintage. It is located 6 miles south of Big Rapids.
Covered Bridge over trail in Reed City
The Pere Marquette Snowmobilers Club annually "pushing back" the vegetation on the trail.
The Paris Fish Hatchery, built in 1881, located adjacent to the trail.
One of several pieces of equipment used to mow the shoulders of the 92-mile trail.
310 foot bridge over the Muskegon River just north of Big Rapids.
Old cattle path located just south of Rockford.
Getting the trail safe from wet leaves in the fall.
Train trestle on the trail, located between Morley and Stanwood.
New Ashton (6 miles north of Reed City) culvert - 2022
Pavilion in Village of Sand Lake next to the trail
Bridge in Howard City where trail crosses creek
Beautiful fall day in Stanwood with the fall leaves on the trail.
Beavers at Work Along the White Pine Trail
A Beautiful Summer Day south of Reed City along the trail.
Rogers Pond Culvert replacement in 2020 six miles south of Big Rapids.
Trail depot along trail in Big Rapids prior to refurbishing.
Big Rapids Historic Refurbished Depot. Work completed in 2022.
One of six picnic shelters along the White Pine Trail.
Railroad Memorabilia display in Rockford. Includes a Yard Limit sign found along the trail.
Concrete pit toilet at Russell Road snowmobile staging area.
Cadillac trailhead completed in 2022
Big Rapids historic depot at night.
Wood mile marker at every mile
Train Depot at Reed City.
Tour of the White Pine Trail riders at cover bridge in Reed City.
From summer 2024, new paving on a section of the trail.
If you are reporting a trail issue, please be sure to provide an exact location as possible, like which Mile Marker is it closest to or some significant landmark - like "Near the Ford dealership in Cedar Springs." If possible, please attach a picture of the trail issue. We thank all who report trail issues, as the more precise the description of the issue and location, the sooner the issue can be addressed with the appropriate volunteers and equipment.
Mailing Address P.O. Box 159 Belmont, Mi., 49306
"Friends" Chairman: Dave Heyboer Phone 616-747-1414 Email: davidjheyboer@gmail.com Park Manager: Ben Dietrich Fred Meijer White Pine Trail / Mitchell State Park 6093 E. M-115 Cadillac, Mi. 49601 Phone: 231-775-7911 Email: dietrichb3@michigan.gov