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Many factors contribute to the Pere Marquette Rail Trail’s popularity. It runs for 30.1 miles on smooth asphalt that is well maintained and, at 14 feet, wide enough to ride or walk side-by-side. At either end, Midland and Clare offer convenient services for weary travelers, as do small towns along the route. Forests, parks, bridges, and historical sites provide diversions and opportunities for reflection along the way.
About the Route
Leaving off from the southern endpoint at the Midland Area Farmers Market (open in season on Wednesdays and Saturdays), trail users can take a quick side trip over the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers on a three-span bridge called The Tridge.
Riverside parks and cultural attractions border the trail as it leaves town. Trail users can find covered picnic spots at Emerson Park, statues and blooming flowers at Dahlia Hill, and local history exhibits at Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center or the Herbert Dow Museum (Dow Chemical got its start in Midland). Another attraction located just off the trail is Bradley House. This restored 1874 home offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of an early Midland family.
After passing through woods for about 8.4 miles, the trail arrives in Sanford. There’s plenty to explore here, such as restaurants and shops or the riverside park. Just across the steel trestle, trail users can find the Sanford Centennial Museum, complete with a relocated circa-1870 railroad depot and railroad cars. About a mile ahead is Veterans Memorial Park, which features 200-year-old red and white pines. Hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails at Pine Haven Recreation Area are 2.7 miles off the Pere Marquette Rail Trail via Saginaw Road to Northwest River Road and then West Maynard Road.
The forest opens to farmland in a few miles, and Coleman comes into view about 11 miles past Sanford. Meals are available right next to the trail, or you can explore the town for shops and more cafés. The old railroad depot has been renovated, and trail users can visit the library about two blocks away at Railway and First Streets, or the bike shop at Railway and Seventh Streets.
In another 4.7 miles, the trail arrives at Loomis. Like other towns along the route, Loomis also started with a sawmill during the timber boom and benefited from the railroad. A general store and a few homes are all that remain today.
The Pere Marquette Rail Trail reaches its northern endpoint in Clare in another 5.4 miles.
Connections
Trail users can connect to the Chippewa Trail at the southern end of the trail in Midland.
In Clare, trail users can continue along the Pere Marquette State Trail.
The Pere Marquette Rail Trail is part of the Iron Belle Trail, two routes that cross over 2,000 miles, and both peninsulas of Michigan.
Trail History
The trail traces the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad’s segment between Midland and Clare that opened in 1870. The line served a railroad car service across Lake Michigan and timber companies that were clear-cutting the state’s old-growth forests. The Pere Marquette Railroad acquired the railway in 1899 and operated it until the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway took over in 1947. Traffic continued to dwindle, and the C&O stopped using the line in the 1980s. The trail opened in 1993.
The Pere Marquette Rail Trail runs between 101 Ashman St (Midland) and E Fourth St & Pine St (Clare), with parking at both ends.
Parking is also available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
This is a good asphalt trail, a little choppy in places but well maintained otherwise. Flat as a pancake and not a lot of cover. The bridges and parks at Midland were very nice.
Very pretty out of Midland. Then we were surprised to see a barricade and had to get on the highway. Then got back on at about mile six. The road gets bumpy then. You are close to the highway much of the way. We stopped in Coleman and had ice cream and pizza. A place called mamas pizza. We only did 20 miles each way. We were told that it’s pretty much the same scenery of trees and some farmland all the way to Clare.
The most boring trail I've walked. To close to traffic, nothing interesting to look at.
Husband and I rode from Midland to Sanford and back. Smooth, flat ride. Shady areas to stop and bathrooms along the way. Stopped at Midland Brewing Company on our way back.(Had entry right off trail with bike racks!) It was a great ride!
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