Cartier Loop
The description begins at the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenue. This is 1.3 mile (counting all segments once) long paved multi-use trail. The description takes you around the loop counter-clockwise. Walk west along the south shore of Lincoln Lake, a wide place in the Lincoln River. Reach a gazebo and turn south into the woods, crossing Plank Avenue (dirt). If you wish to walk to the campground (4), turn west (R) at junction 3 (there is a map kiosk there). Continue straight to do only the central loop. At junction 2 a right turn will take you to the parking at the corner of Rath and Bryant (1), and continuing straight you will cross Plank Ave again and continue to complete the loop.
The numbers at junctions on the map are arbitrary, I added these labels for clarity. They are not numbered this way on the map kiosks.
Access- There is good parking at the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenues, or at the corner for Rath and Bryant. You can drive farther down Slagle and park near the gazebo. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park Campground.
Accessibility- It might be difficult to get a wheelchair from the dirt parking to the paved trail, but once on the trail this would be a pleasant "stroll."
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed. Slagle east of the loop trail is one way west, and Plank east of the loop trail is one way east.
Distance and time- Point 1-2 = 0.2 mile, point 2-3 north loop = 0.6 mile, point 3-4 = 0.18 mile, point 2-3 south loop = .33 mile (mileages taken from the posted map.
Trail Markers- none, just stay on the pavement
Condition of Marking- unmistakable as long as pavement is clear
Treadway- paved, stable footing all the way in good weather. Storms, ice and snow may make the path difficult in winter, although the City of Ludington does plow.
Grades- flat
Ecosystem- about 1/4 waterfront, the rest in beech-hemlock woods, with scattered white pine and huge, old oaks which must have grown up in the open.
Other points of interest-
Gazebo at the westernmost point of the loop along the Lincoln Lake shore. Dog Park to the east
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- January 2012
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Other Trails
The description of other trails is general only. The entire area is laced with pathways which walkers and mountain bikers have made. The area is well-bounded and small enough that you can't possibly get lost, and you can wander for a couple of hours without retracing too many steps. If you walk straight north on Gaylord Avenue, through the cemetery and continue straight into the woods that unmarked trail will connect quickly to the paved walkway. In addition, there is a wide paved shoulder designated for bicycles which goes from Ludington Avenue all the way to Ludington State Park along Lakeshore Drive.
Access- There are ample parking spaces near the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenues and also at the corner of Bryant and Rath, or drive west on Slage to park near the gazebo. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park Campground, except at the public access point to the river, but this is very limited (maybe 2 cars).
Restrictions- No dogs at all in the developed gravesite portion of the cemetery. In other areas dogs must be leashed. Slagle east of the loop trail is one way west, and Plank east of the loop trail is one way east.
Distance and time- The block is 0.5 miles on a side. Wander till you have had enough!
Trail Markers- none
Condition of Marking- none
Treadway- various pathways including dirt roads, two-track roads, and pathways of convenience. Some have moguls built in them for the entertainment of mountain bikers, but these usually have a flat alternate way around
Grades- mostly flat
Ecosystem- about 1/4 waterfront, the rest in beech-hemlock woods, with scattered white pine and huge, old oaks which must have grown up in the open. There are some slight hills, but the trail-makers have avoided climbing most of them.
Other points of interest- many old graves, with names of historic interest to Ludington can be seen in Lakeview Cemetery
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- January 2012
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Bicycling
Bicycling- The trail is open for bicycles. The pathway connects with Lakeshore Drive where there is a paved lane for bicycles that extends to Ludington State Park.
Boat Launch
Boat Launch- dirt ramp with minimal parking
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- both loop trails are paved, but you must cross some dirt from the parking areas to get on the trails. Rest room accessibility not known.
Rest Rooms and Potable Water
Restrooms- Full rest room in summer, porta-potty at gazebo all year
Potable Water- summer only
Details
Access- Rath Avenue at the corners of Bryant or Slagle, and at the gazebo
Restrictions- No dogs at all in the developed gravesite portion of the cemetery. In other areas dogs must be leashed. Slagle east of the loop trail is one way west, and Plank east of the loop trail is one way east.
Seasonality- path is plowed in winter; no rest rooms or water in winter
Ecosystem- bordered by city streets on the east, south and west, and on the north by the Lincoln River; varies from urban to marshy river edge to woods, and includes city cemetery
Other points of interest- The city compost pile is just east of the cemetery, and the Christmas tree recycle drop-off is on Beechwood St. Many old graves, with names of historic interest to Ludington can be seen in Lakeview Cemetery. Dog park at the northeast corner.
most recent date this info personally checked- January 2012
Additional Facilities- Cartier Park Campground- There are nearly 200 campsites, toilet and shower building (open in summer), a playground, and pop machines. Contact:
Cartier Park Campground (City of Ludington)
1254 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Ludington, MI 49431
231-845-1522
maintained by- City of Ludington
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![[Cartier Park]](cartier.gif)
![[Counties]](masonpix/locludington.gif)
