Spotlight- Pine Forest Loop Trail

Pine Forest Loop entrance (photo by jhy)

by jhy

The Pine Forest Loop is a short trail just north of Pentwater, MI, on property owned by the Pentwater Conservation Organization (PCO). This group, established in 2011, seeks to preserve a portion of the wooded dune ecosystem typical of West Michigan. Their holdings have grown from an initial 12 acres to 39 acres.

Over time, blowing sand has mixed with humus (organic material) to form a soil that is ideal for white pine, blueberries, wintergreen, and trailing arbutus. The fertile layer is shallow. Please refrain from going off trail to explore or climb the hills.

Find the trailhead just across from the Pines Motel on Business 31 north of Pentwater. Location 43.79728, -86.42862. There is parking for two or three cars.

To walk the loop in either direction, leave the parking area on the single trail heading into the woods. In just a few yards, the counter-clockwise option will turn to the right while you should continue straight to walk clockwise.

The loop does climb partway up the dune ridge. If you are walking clockwise, watch for a sharp switchback that is not marked. There is a bench just above this turn.

Markers are small green arrow emblems on trees, and it will be helpful when a few more of these are added. However, I did always find the trail with a narrow but well-established treadway.

The entire loop is less than a half mile, but this is a good place for a quick walk on natural surface trail, close to Pentwater.

Pets must be leashed No bikes, no motorized vehicles. Fires and hunting are prohibited. The park is open from 8 am to 6 pm, May 1 through Labor Day, and from 9 am to dusk during the rest of the year. Sking and snowshoeing are encouraged.

There are no amenities other than the small parking area, and one bench.

Although the Conservation Organization's website mentions preservation of a "dune and swale" ecosystem, one can not see this from the trail. It would be on the lake side of the ridge.

The PCO's mission statement is: "The PCO is dedicated to the conservation of the forested dunes of West Michigan." Thus, the group seeks to preserve the natural habitat. They have worked to remove Japanese barberry and other invasive plants, while watching for interesting native species to protect. They are a member of the West Michigan Conservation Network.

The trail has been added to the Get Off The Couch website. See complete information at Pine Forest Loop

See Pentwater Conservation Organization


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