Length: 3.2 miles
Trail end points: White Lake Dr. and Cogswell Ave. (Whitehall) and Hart-Montague Trail at Stanton Blvd. and Water St. (Montague)
The White Lake Pathway provides an important connection between two neighboring towns that face each other across the beautiful White Lake. The trail traces a former railroad bed for just over 3 miles, offering picturesque views of the water and natural woodland and wetland settings along the way.
The trail begins in Montague, where those interested in quirky and unique attractions can visit Ellenwood Park to check out the world’s largest weathervane, which sits 48 feet tall and weighs 3,500 pounds.
From Montague, trail-goers will cross a bridge over the White River and come to Covell Park, a favorite fishing spot with a boat launch and grassy picnic areas. History buffs may take interest in the park’s World War I memorial and an interpretive marker describing the old saw mill on which the park was built. A little further south and you will reach Goodrich Park, the site of the White Lake marina and local events such as the Maritime Festival and Boat Show. The trail continues to its end in downtown Whitehall, with plenty of places to stop to eat or enjoy the sights.
To extend your journey, pick up the Hart-Montague Trail State Park in Montague to travel another 23 miles north through scenic rural landscapes. Or, in Whitehall, you can take the tree-lined Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail nearly 7 miles south to the town of Dalton.
To access the northern trailhead from the north: Take US 31 southbound to Fruitvale Road (Exit 131). Turn right (west) on Fruitvale Road for 0.2 mile to Old US 31. Take a left on Old US 31 for 1.6 miles to Stanton Boulevard. The trail is on the left.
To access the southern trailhead from the south: Take US 31 northbound to White Lake Drive (Exit 126). Turn right (west) onto White Lake Drive and continue 2.1 miles to the trail crossing. Parking is available about a mile further west along this road at the White Lake Community Library (3900 White Lake Drive, Whitehall).
Additional parking options include Covell Park (124 Hanson Street) and Goodrich Park (100 N. Lake Street).
