Places to Get Moving….
Keith McKellop Walkway: Probably the most well known and used walkway in the area, this picturesque walk starts across from the Cadillac Wexford Public Library on Lake Street or across from the Cadillac Schools football field on Chestnut Street. The 1 mile long sidewalk follows the lakefront over the Clam River footbridge, past picnic and playground areas, beside boat launches and docks, and through the Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion.
Clam River Greenway: This walkway through the city of Cadillac is in progress. Sections are completed between Lake Cadillac and Haynes Street (headwaters) and Simons Street to CASA fields (Thirteenth Street.) Don’t miss this casual and friendly walking experience through the neighborhoods of Cadillac.
White Pine Trail: Catch the connector in Cadillac near Harborview Apartments. Walk as far as you want to the south along an old railroad bed.
Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Museum: Enjoy the nature trails behind the museum as they wander through mature hard woods before emptying into a loop around a large wetlands area. Informative signage and lookout structures add variety and interest to this peaceful walk. It’s a great place to spot turtles, beavers, and water fowl.
Kenwood Park: Kenwood City Park is home to a variety of paths and trails to the north of the picnic area. You will be treated to stands of towering white and red pines complemented by oaks, maples, poplars, and elms.
Cadillac Pathway: Start your hike at the east end of Thirteenth Street (East Entrance Wexford Missaukee Intermediate school District) or off Seeley Road near the east end of Boon Road. This 10 mile long pathway (shorter loops available) hosts a variety of terrain that is well mapped. You will be treated to hills, forests, and the Clam River.
Silver Creek Pathway: This 3 mile loop provides an intimate experience with the Pine River. Take a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and enjoy the ups and downs as the hiking trail crosses the Pine River at Silver Creek Campground and Lincoln Bridge. The trail, which is well marked with blue signs, can be started at either location.
MacKenzie Trail: Near Caberfae Peaks. A trail system of many loops both single and double. Rated "easy." For more information: Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau (800) 22-Lakes.
North Country Trail: Jump on board sections of the North Country Trail in several locations around the greater Cadillac area including: US 131 north of the Manistee River (state forest Campground); north of Baxter Bridge along the river, heading west; west of Red Bridge on Coates Highway; near Udell Hills in Wellston; and Beers Road in Marilla. You will find a variety of lengths along this linear trail to suit your style. Each section is well marked with blue blazes. Backpacking and camping is popular along this trail. Contact the North Country Trail Association or U.S. Forest Service (231) 775-8539 for more information.
Manistee River Trail: This scenic foot path meanders along the Manistee River between Red Bridge and the Hodenpyle Dam (approximately 10 miles,) with trail heads at Red Bridge, River Road near the foot bridge, and Seaton Creek Campground. There are a variety of other places to access this trail along the east side of the river. The Manistee River Trail connects to the North Country Trail for a nice backpacking loop (21 miles.)
Missaukee Mountain Cross-Country Ski Trail: Trails are open for walking during the off-season. Travel north approximately 4 miles out of Lake City on M-66 to get to Missaukee Mountain. For more information, contact the Lake City Chamber of Commerce at 839-4969.
McBain Bike Trail: A short, paved bike trail starts at the corner of M-66 and runs north to the baseball fields.
Marion Veteran’s Memorial Park: There is a 1/2 mile paved walking pathway surrounding the Veteran’s Memorial Park south of town.
Manton: Manton has a pathway that starts north of town near the Dairy Bar and travels back to the Mill Pond. Call 231-824-4158 for more information.
*** Contact your area Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hiking paths near you.