White Pine Trail - Comstock Park to Rockford (MI)

It had been several years since Chris and I biked through Rockford, MI on the White Pine Trail.  At the time we were heading south and meeting my sister for pick up so there was no time to go exploring.  Friday July 15 was different.

By 9:15am we had dropped Schooner off at doggie day care and were on our way to Grand Rapids, MI to ride the Forest Hills Trail on the east side of Grand Rapids.  Because of the name of the trail, especially the word "Hills" we thought it best to drive the trail before committing.  Upon close inspection of what appeared to be an adequately maintained but somewhat narrow trail which sometimes forced the rider onto the road, as well as a good number of hills to traverse, we decided to head for the White Pine Trail instead.

Actually finding the trailhead for the White Pine proved to be somewhat of a challenge.  The Michigan Trails magazine is a great source for bikers in MI, but was a bit vague as to where the trailhead at Comstock Park was located.  We discovered there is a Comstock Park community and there is a Comstock Park recreational area.  We were unable to find the staging area at the first location, so we opted to park at the Michigan Whitecaps baseball stadium which is next to the trail. This was not a game day so we had many spaces from which to choose.

Whitecaps Baseball Stadium

It was 11am and 69 degrees (in JULY!) and we were on the trail headed north toward Rockford.

The trail is 10 feet wide, asphalt paved, and well maintained.  For much of the ride both sides of the trail are shielded by tall lush trees. From time to time the trail crosses the Grand River or in the photo on the right it crosses US 131.

The Rogue River Park staging area near Belmont offers parking, restrooms, and water. 

 Riding toward Rockford offers much scenery and photo ops!

As we approach town  we notice a very nice park with walking or dog walking paths to the east.  There are a good number of cyclists and walkers out today enjoying the weather.  Because of some trail maintenance we are directed to make a slight detour into town.  

Found this old train as we followed the detour

The detour gives us the opportunity to see a little more of town than we might have otherwise.  There are boutiques (having sidewalk sales) and eateries along the trail.  The town is small but very busy.

On the left is one of many places to park near the trail.

On the right and below is a walking path along the Grand River.
(Click on any picture to enlarge)

It is noon and time for lunch.  We chose Ramona's Table for our dining experience.  Bike racks were nearby and all along the trail.

My selection was the Maui Wowie Fish Tacos.  Those who know me also know that I'm a sucker for fish tacos.  Very difficult for me to pass them up.  EVER!  These tacos were seasoned and grilled Mahi Mahi with a black bean mango salsa, with chipolte, feta, and lettuce.
The pic on the right was Chris' selection of soup (French Onion) and 1/2 a Turkey sandwich on a toasted cranberry bread.  Both meals were excellent!

After lunch we walked around the park and dams.

Picture perfect view of the dams in Rockford

 We decided to jump back on our tandem and head north a little further.  There is a walking path and wooden bridge across the river from our bike path.

We biked 1.5 miles north of Rockford and turned around to head back.

 On our ride south we decided to try to find the REAL trailhead in Comstock Park as mentioned in our trail magazine.  We bypassed the car and kept on cruising.
On the left we are at a scenic overlook of the Grand River.  Anyone notice the ominous clouds in the pictures?  We had the clouds most of the day, but thankfully did not get rained on during the ride.



A few miles past the stadium the trail stops and makes a T.  We are the little blue dot in the picture on the left.  Still no park in site, but we do find it on the map.  We took the trail to the east and crossed the Grand River.  There is a bike trail all of the way to Comstock Park but a portion of it meant we had to cross a fairly busy intersection with no traffic light and ride on the street briefly in a biking lane.

Doing it all over again I would definitely park at or near the stadium or drive to Belmont for a staging area.  Comstock Park is not all that user friendly for the ride north!

We arrived back to our car at 3pm after riding 24 miles.  Checked the weather app and it was still 69 degrees!

What a fun day!  Would I do it again?  Oh yes!  You know how I like those fish tacos!!!