Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team

White Pine Trail Expedition

Leg 1 Comstock Park to Belmont

Saturday, 12 July 2003

Began Hike 1014 EST

Team Members Present - Pathfinder, Marti, Charlie Girl, Noaster, Pathfinder Dog

Comstock Park, Michigan to Rogue River Park (Belmont, Michigan)

Maintained by: Michigan DNR

Visible Blazes: No. Linear Parkway, blazes not needed

Topography: 100% Flat

Map: Kent County Map, DNR Map of White Pine Trail

Trail Surface: 100% Tarmac

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Condition: Excellent

Unique Features: 5/3 Ball Park, Bridge over West River Drive, Rogue River Park

Leg Description: Well, the family decided that it was time to join me in my hiking. I invited them to start the White Pine Trail with me. I have always wanted to hike the White Pine. When I was a kid, the Michigan Northern Railroad came through my hometown of Sand Lake. Just before I became a teenager, I remember the last train to park in town for a few days, then the rail was closed. After years of speculation, the rail finally became a trail. Today, I start hiking it from Comstock Park (Grand Rapids) to Cadillac. My wife (Marti), 6 year old (Charlotte), 14 month old (Noah), Pathfinder Dog and I began around 10 am by parking near the busy Coit Ave. We crossed the river and circled back on the far bank to follow the trail under the bridge and come up the other side. It was a cool way to cross the road (by going under it). Finally, we started the trail just before we got to US 131. After a nice walk (with a lot of freeway noise) we came to 5/3 Ballpark and turned to the east. There was a lot of traffic. I mean a lot, even more than Kent Trails. We crossed West River Drive and continue until we reached Rogue River Park. It was fun taking turns with the stroller, and have Pathfinder Dog pull it. It was a great morning. Short walk only about 4 miles. Ended at Jeep Bravo at 1152 hours.

Notes: None

Submitted by Pathfinder

Map of Leg 1 (273k)

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