at Pine Valley Pathway
General Information
Pine Valley Pathway
This trail just east of M-37 at 7 Mile Road is north of Baldwin and west of Luther. A shared trailhead (with the Little Manistee motorsports trail) means that the trailhead is plowed all winter- a big plus for skiers and snowshoers.
Hiking
The numbers on the map correspond to junction markers on the State Forest maps and posted on kiosks at the corners.
Access the loops is primarily from a trailhead on 7-Mile Road, just 0.2 miles east of M-37.
Point 1 to 2 0.2 mile. Easy
Point 2 to 3 0.6 mile. Easy
Point 3 to 4 0.8 mile. Moderate. This section crosses Lost Lake Road and goes through the former campsite. There is also a side loop that dips closer to the shore of Lost Lake and there are two campsites near the shore.
Point 4 to 5 0.2 mile. Easy
Point 5 to 7 0.6 mile. Moderate. Swing around the south end of Lost Lake and cross Lost Lake Road
Point 7 to 8 0.2 mile. Moderate. There is one valley to cross that is potentially the most fun for skiers, but it is short and straight, not difficult
Point 8 to 1 1.5 mile. Easy. The trail runs southwest along a bluff above the swamps at the end of Syers Lake, then turns a corner to the northwest soon after the open water comes into view. Very scenic. At the west end join a tractor lane and skirt the edge of a field before re-entering the woods and returning to Point 1.
Point 3 to 8 0.1 mile. Easy. Just a connector to allow for a short loop.
Point 2 to 4 2.3 mile. Difficult. The rating on this section is only in relation to the rest of the paths. It is moderate in reality, easily skied by anyone with more than basic skills. It follows a ridge with several small dips. Watch for a tricky turn between 7 Mile Rd and Forman Rd. The trail comes into a 2-track near where it dead ends. You must leave the 2-track on the same side as you entered. Do not cross the road!
Point 5 to 6 0.7 mile. Moderate, with one big valley. At point 6 there is parking on Lost Lake Road for one or two cars.
Point 6 to 7 1.0 miles.
Moderate. Go through some open area where selective logging was done.
Access- Best from 7-Mile Road, just 0.2 mile east of M-37, but also from Lost Lake Road
Restrictions- no motor vehicles
Distance and time- 8.2 total miles of trail if you do every piece. 3-4 hours.
Trail Markers- blue, trapezoidal DNR markers for skiing, snoeshoeing and hiking
Condition of Marking- generally good, watch for various old roads intersecting or angling off, most of these have markers showing the correct way to stay on the trail.
Treadway- wide for skiing, sandy forest soil
Grades- flat to moderate
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- June 2019
Back to map
Skiing
Skiing- These trails used to be maintained for skiing. Now they are not groomed. Nevertheless, they still make for easy skiing, except that there are some trees down across the trail you will nave to navigate around.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing- These trails have moderate hills at most and make for very pleasant snowshoeing. See trail descriptions under Hiking.
Camping
Camping-
Camping is allowed with a free DNR permit, available at the link.
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- Some sections could be navigated with a sports wheelchair, but it would not be easy. There are occasional trees down. Latrine is accessible across dirt parking area.
Rest Rooms and Potable Water
Rest Rooms- latrine at trailhead
Potable Water- none
Details
Access- Best from 7-Mile Road, just 0.2 mile east of M-37, but also from Lost Lake Road
Restrictions- no motorized vehicles on trail
Seasonality- open year round
Ecosystem- mixed age forest, some open areas, kettle hole lake, sandy hills
most recent date this info personally checked- June 2019
Additional Facilities- small town services in Baldwin or Luther
Maintained by- the Michigan DNR
Baldwin, MI 49304
231-745-4651