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Shark Enterprises
Joan H. Young
861 W. US 10
Scottville, MI 49454
jhy@t-one.net
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this page updated 5/7/07

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at Cartier Park

The description begins at the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenue. This is one mile long paved multi-use trail. The best public parking is located near this corner. 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, crossing Slagle Avenue (dirt). If you wish to walk to the campground, continue west on Slagle. The trail soon crosses Plank Avenue (also dirt) and continues southeast. Near the point where it bends more to the east there is an unmarked trail which is the best route to follow to reach the corner of Rath and Bryant. The loop continues east, and bends north to cross Plank Avenue very close to Rath. Complete the loop.
Access- although it is not paved the largest public parking space is near the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenues. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park. 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- although the official mileage is reported as 1 mile, I walked it easily in less than 20 minutes, making me think that it's closer to 0.75 mile.
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.
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.
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- December 2005
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Comment

Rail Trail Loop

This trail appears to be completed as of July 1, 2006. I have not yet walked it, but the pavement seems to be done at each end and along the roads.
Access- At the corner of Bryant and Rath Avenues is a bulldozed area. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park. 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.
Distance and time- I have not yet walked this, but the loop is about 1.5 miles.
Trail Markers- bike lane markings along roads
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. Paved street shoulder on Bryant and Lakeshore Drive.
Grades- flat
Ecosystem- Beech-hemlock woods, with scattered white pine and huge, old oaks which must have grown up in the open.
Other points of interest- ?
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- July 2006
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Comment

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- although it is not paved the largest public parking spaces are near the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenues and also at the corner of Bryant and Rath. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park, except at the public access point to the river, but this is very limited (maybe 2 cars). You could park near the back of the Lakeview Cemetery property.
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- December 2005

Bicycling

Bicycling- The trail is open for bicycles. The Rail-trail loop 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. Part of the Rail Trail Loop is along city street edge, you could park on a side street and begin there. Rest room accessibility not known.

Rest Rooms and Potable Water

Details

Access- Rath Avenue at the corners of Bryant or Slagle
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- not 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
most recent date this info personally checked- December 2005
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

Locator

Driving Directions

From Ludington Avenue in the city of Ludington, turn north on Rath Avenue (downtown) till it crosses Bryant in 1 mile. Or you can turn east on Bryant from Lakeshore Drive, or west on Bryant from Jebavy Drive and proceed to the corner of Rath. Parking here for several vehicles.

To reach the north parking, continue north on Rath to the end, and turn left on dirt Slagle Road. Parking is on the right.

To reach the boat launch, take Lakeshore Drive north from the west end of Ludington Avenue for 1.5 miles. Just past the entrance to Cartier Park (no public parking) and before you cross the river, the public access is on the right.

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