On Wednesday afternoon, community members and trail enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the official completion of the White Pine Trail paving project. 

The trail finished its final mile of paving around Memorial Day, completing all 92 miles from Comstock Park to Cadillac.

“The completion of this trail is not just about one trail,” said Tim Novak, state trail coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “It exposes people to the wonderful trails we have throughout the state and underscores the importance of trails to our local communities.”

The day’s events included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a small luncheon, and a presentation on the trail’s history. According to Dave Heyboer, chairman of the "Friends of the White Pine Trail", the event served as a major thank-you to all involved.

“We are here today to recognize the great volunteers we have,” Heyboer said.

The effort to improve the trail began in 1997, when a group of individuals came together to maintain the White Pine Trail. This group eventually became known as the “Friends of the White Pine Trail.”

Initial paving of the trail network started in 1998, with 13 miles paved between Big Rapids and Reed City. Twenty-seven years and more than $6.2 million in funding later, the final mile between M-46 and Yankee Road in Howard City capped off the extensive project.

With the trail paving completed, the focus now shifts to signage along the 92-mile stretch. The trail network passes through 16 towns and cities across five counties. It also features four lodging stops in Reed City, Paris, south of Big Rapids, and between Cedar Springs and Rockford. According to Paul Griffith, vice chair of Friends of the White Pine Trail, these were made possible by independent entrepreneurs.

“We have four organizations that offer lodging,” said Griffith. “All of these started in the middle of COVID. I’ve visited these places, and they know what they’re doing.”

Local leaders from Big Rapids, Reed City, Morley, and other surrounding areas attended the event, including state Sen. Jon Bumstead of the 32nd District and multiple representatives with the Michigan DNR.

For more information and history on the trail, visit whitepinetrail.com.