Cartier Loop
The description begins at the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenue. This is 1.3 mile (counting all segments once) long paved multi-use trail. The description takes you around the loop counter-clockwise. Walk west along the south shore of Lincoln Lake, a wide place in the Lincoln River. Reach a gazebo and turn south into the woods, crossing Plank Avenue (dirt). If you wish to walk to the campground (4), turn west (R) at junction 3 (there is a map kiosk there). Continue straight to do only the central loop. At junction 2 a right turn will take you to the parking at the corner of Rath and Bryant (1), and continuing straight you will cross Plank Ave again and continue to complete the loop.
The numbers at junctions on the map are arbitrary, I added these labels for clarity. They are not numbered this way on the map kiosks.
Access- There is good parking at the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenues, and at the corner of Rath and Bryant. You can drive farther down Slagle and park near the gazebo. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park Campground.
Accessibility- It might be difficult to get a wheelchair from the dirt parking to the paved trail, but once on the trail this would be a pleasant "stroll."
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed. Slagle east of the loop trail is one way west, and Plank east of the loop trail is one way east.
Distance and time- Point 1-2 = 0.2 mile, point 2-3 north loop = 0.6 mile, point 3-4 = 0.18 mile, point 2-3 south loop = .33 mile (mileages taken from the posted map.
Trail Markers- none, just stay on the pavement
Condition of Marking- unnecessary as long as pavement is clear
Treadway- paved, stable footing all the way in good weather. Storms, ice and snow may make the path difficult in winter, although the City of Ludington does plow.
Grades- flat with one rise west of the Slagle St parking.
Ecosystem- about 1/4 waterfront, the rest in beech-hemlock woods, with scattered white pine and some huge, old trees which must have grown up in the open.
Other points of interest-
Gazebo at the northernmost point of the loop along the Lincoln Lake shore. Dog Park to the east
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- June 2019
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Bicycling
There is a wandering mountain bike loop that paralells both sides of the paved trail throughout the park. This is an easy trail with little topography, but there are some humps and the constant turns make it interesting.
In addition, there is a wide paved shoulder designated for bicycles which goes from Ludington Avenue all the way to Ludington State Park along Lakeshore Drive.
Access- There are ample parking spaces near the corner of Slagle and Rath Avenues and also at the corner of Bryant and Rath, or drive west on Slagle to park near the gazebo. There is no parking for the general public in Cartier Park Campground, except at the public access point to the river, but this is very limited (maybe 2 cars).
Restrictions- Trail is narrow- be courteous to riders coming the opposite direction
Distance and time- The block is 0.5 miles on a side. There might be 2.5 miles of bike trail
Trail Markers- none
Condition of Marking- none- a number of extra pathways cross the bike trail, but the entire area is enclosed by Lincoln Lake and city streets so it would be very difficult to get lost.
Treadway- single-track dirt, a few wet spots
Grades- a slight bit of topography and some moguls
Ecosystem- about 1/4 waterfront, the rest in beech-hemlock woods, with scattered white pine and huge, old oaks which must have grown up in the open.
Other points of interest- paved road shoulder for bicycle lane that connects to Lakeshore Drive and leads to Ludington State Park.
Cartier Park Mountain Bike Loop maintained by Shoreline Cycling Club
Shoreline Cycling Club
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- June 2019
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![[Cartier Park]](cartier.gif)
![[Counties]](masonpix/locludington.gif)
