White Pine Trail - Reed City to LeRoy, MI

Reed City Crossroads

We began our ride Wednesday morning around 10:00 am at the Reed City trailhead.  Skies were clear and the temperature this fine August morning was 69 F.

Two railroad crossings

This trailhead is located where the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad cross the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad.  Both of these rail lines have been transformed to rail trails for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling. 

Reed City Depot 

The depot provides parking, restrooms, information, and picnic tables. 

Covered bridge in Reed City

Heading north we cross the Hersey River via a covered bridge.

Newly paved trail

We chose the north route because we had not biked this section of the White Pine Trail and in the fall of 2018 this section of the trail was newly paved.  

Mile marker 307

The old railroads used mile markers similar to our highways today.  This concrete mile marker indicates that the trail is 307 miles north of a beginning point near Indianapolis.

Newer mile marker

The newer wooden mile markers indicate the miles north of Grand Rapids.

Deer on the trail

This deer had not spotted us yet.  Once it did, it was gone in a flash.

Oops!  Gravel

Fortunately one of the bikers we met in Reed City informed us that there was a 1/4 mile section left to be paved approximately half way to Leroy.  Once there, our pace went from about 9 mph to 2 mph.

Department of Natural Resources 

There aren't any legal motorized vehicles on the trail except those of the DNR.  I asked  the officer about the gravel section.  He said a culvert needed to be repaired before that section could be paved.  He spoke very kindly to us.

Aspens?

Aspens and birch have a similar look, but have noticeable differences.  Aspen bark doesn't peal.  Birch leaves are pointy with jagged edges whereas aspen leaves are more round.  I think these might be aspen.  Either way, the color in the fall would be amazing.

Tunnel under highway

This tunnel was approximately 50 yards in length.

Exit towards LeRoy

The tunnel was the highest point on our trek.  We gained a bit over 200 feet in elevation from Reed City.  Our return trip will be a much easier pedal.

Playground?

Well, there is a bike trail here.

Museum 

And a museum.

Restaurant 

And a restaurant.

Massive burger and homemade chips

These small town eateries are incredible.

Dutch apple pie, a la mode 

The burger was so big we had to split the dessert.

Friends

Some of the neatest people in this world are those you've never met, so we like to meet them.  Debbie and I noticed a couple, (wearing bike garb), entering the restaurant.  We both went to their table and introduced ourselves and for the next 20 minutes or so, we had a great conversation. We are now Facebook friends with Ken and Mary from Plano, TX. 

White Pines

Our complete trip was 26 miles, and yes, there were white pines on the trail.