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The Arboretum trail has been reopened by the Forest Service.
This Arboretum was planted in the Manistee National Forest in the 1930's to compare how various species of trees from throughout the world would grow in the local climate. Some of them have survived and thrived. Others are hard or impossible to find. The original interpretive signs which had a cute sense of humor have been removed, but new signs are more informative although they only identify a couple of common tree species. They mostly interpret the ecosystem.
Hiking
Arboretum Trail Outer Loop
The description begins at the parking lot. Take the left fork onto the loop to follow the yellow loop clockwise.
There were 68 test plots where about 40 different species of trees, obtained from around the world, were planted. There is a map of these plots at the interpretive sign in the parking lot.
To stay on the outer loop, take the left fork at the first bench. This continues easterly until approaching a property line where it bends south, then east and south again. Finally, turn west and begin to follow (although not closely enough to see it often) Pine Creek.
You will pass a small building, probably the old pump house which pulled water from the creek for irrigation. Then continue following the creek northwest until you return to the parking lot.
Arboretum Trail Inner Loop
The description begins at the parking lot. Take the left fork onto the loop to follow the green loop clockwise.
To take the inner loop, take the right fork at the first bench. This angles southeast and then turns abruptly southwest, joining the yellow trail to follow (although not closely enough to see it often) Pine Creek and return to the parking lot.
Arboretum Trails More Info
Access- Park at the Trailhead at the corner of Pine Lake and Bosschem Roads. Both trail loops begin and ends there.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no motor vehicles.
Distance and time- 1.4 miles total
Distance and time- 0.6 miles total
Trail Markers- none
Treadway- mostly wide forest trail. The inner loop is hardened with gravel compressed into the soil, level and stable. The outer loop beyond the green trail is partially wide, and partially single-track.
Grades- flat
Marking- some planting lot markers throughout
Ecosystem- flat, planted tree plot beside a small creek. Trees from around the world were planted here in the 1930's as a growth experiment
Other points of interest- You could go exploring for species of some trees by referencing the map at the parking area.
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- October 2025
Skiing- The inner trail is level and wide- it would be a good place for novice skiiers to practice. The outer loop is wide enough to ski, but not leveled as well.
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- The inner trail is wide, flat and hardened, and could easily be used by someone in a sports wheelchair.
Picnicking
Picnicking- There are two shaded picnic tables near the parking area
Details
Additional Facilities- none
Seasonality- parking probably not plowed in winter
Maintained by- Huron-Manistee National Forest Contact:
Manistee District Ranger Station
1170 Nursery Road
Wellston, MI 49689
231-848-7090
Posted Comments
Locator
Driving Directions
Turn south off of M-55 on Bosschem Road, just west of Wellston. Go south one mile, turn east on Pine Lake Road and the parking lot is immediately on your right. Parking for many vehicles. 44.209665 -85.971338, or ///ancient.disclose.scope
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