Ride Stats
- Trail Description:
- Singletrack cross country ski/mountain bike/hiking trail. Hard pack surface.
- Best During:
- Late May to Mid-November
- Trip Distance:
- 11 miles. Three separate loops. North loop is 4 miles. South loop is 5 miles. A two mile loop connects the North and South, making a one-way ride of 11 miles.
- Ride Time:
- 2 Hours
- Elevation Gain:
- Although the terrain is rolling to hilly (primarily on the South Loop and the Connector, the overall elevation difference is only 500 feet or so.
- Overall Rating:
- The North loop is relatively flat and easy. Connector is hilly and rated moderate. South loop is very hilly with several steep sections and is rated skilled. An overall rating for the ride would be moderate, due to the lack of technical turns. The track is easy to negotiate, this is a good cruiser.
Key Intersections
- Point 2
- Turn left to do 2.5 mile loop.
- Point 3
- Turn left to do 2.5 mile loop.
- Point 4
- Turn right to access the Connector and the entire system. Continue left for the 4 mile loop.
- Point 8
- Turn left to go back to the North Loop (and a total ride of 6 miles). Go straight to access South Loop.
- Point 9
- Turn right (to point 12) for a return to point 8.
- Point 9
- Bear left to access the remaining section of the South Loop. At point 10 turn right to remain on the trail (or left to go to the South parking lot).
More Info
Kalkaska office of the Michigan DNR
616-258-2711
Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau
1-800-22-LAKES
Mountain Bike Resource - Trails - Cadillac Pathway Ride Summary
Ride Description
The Cadillac Pathway is one of the most popular cross country ski trails in northwestern lower Michigan. It's just now being discovered as a primo mountain bike ride, and the Michigan DNR has recently done a huge amount of work to upgrade the trail's surfaces and signage.
The trail is singletrack and mainly straightforward, with very few technical turns. Riders of all abilities can enjoy the trail as a fun yet safe ride. The entire system is located in the Pere Marquette State Forest and the landscape is a mixture of hardwoods and pines. Both blackberries and huckleberries are common along the trail side.
The North Loop is mostly flat and has a beautiful final half-mile along the Clam River, a blue ribbon trout stream. By using cut-off trails, riders can choose distances of 1, 2.5, or 4 miles.
The South Loop is very hilly and challenging, with several climbs of a quarter mile or so. There are two steep hills between trail between trail markers 12 and 8. Riders can choose trips of 5 or 3 miles.
The Connector (the triangular section of trail 4-5-8) is uphill one way and downhill on the return. It's basically a straight up and straight down with few turns. This section is two miles in total length.
Directions To Trailhead
The Cadillac Pathway is located just outside of Cadillac, Michigan. The city is a major tourism destination with a population of about 10,000. Two lakes are situated within the city limits and recreation opportunities abound.
The Pathway has two trailheads, each with parking. The North Loop is located off Boon Road, about three miles east of the U.S. 131/Boon Road Intersection (Wal-Mart). There is parking for approximately 100 cars. Pit toilet available.
The South Loop parking is located one mile east of the U.S. 131/13th Street intersection (Wexford County Fairgrounds). The parking lot is actually the lot of the Wexford/Missaukee Vocational Education Center.
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