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!