at US 31 Rest Area Rothbury
General Information
US 31 Rest Area Rothbury 
This Rest Area honoring William E. Gehman is located south of Rothbury, Michigan and can be reached by the northbound lane of US 31. It has a nice shaded picnic area and a short trail.
Hiking
Foot Trail 
At the south end of the car parking area there is a post marking the beginning of a 10-minute trail. This is a very short walk, but you can make it last 10 minutes if you follow every side path and walk slowly. But it's great to have a place to stretch your legs.
The path heads away from the parking area and soon makes a turn to the left to parallel the traffic ramp. There is a side trail which leads back to the parking and the dog run area. If you continue you come to a 4-way crossing. The right turn leads you back to a fence. The left turn takes you back to the parking area. If you go straight on this less-used path you come to a compost pile of leaves, and then into an open area at the north end of the rest area. You can follow this back to the north end of the ramp.
Access- at either end of the automobile parking area
Restrictions- dogs must be leashed
Distance and time- about a quarter mile, wander till you've stretched your legs
Trail Markers- none, just stay on the obvious pathway
Treadway- level, stable footing
Grades- flat
Ecosystem- medium age pine, oak, maple woods beside mowed area
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- July 2018
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Picnicking
Picnicking- fixed picnic tables and grills in wooded area
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- restrooms are accessible
The trail is wide and flat, and might be suitable for wheelchairs designed for outdoor use.
Rest Rooms and Potable Water
Rest Rooms- Full rest rooms
Potable Water- at rest rooms
Details
Access- from northbound lane of US 31 freeway
Restrictions- no camping, dogs must be leashed
Seasonality- open year round
Ecosystem- mowed area among trees, bordered by hardwood forest
Other points of interest- small town services available in Rothbury 3 miles north
most recent date this info personally checked- July 2018
Additional Facilities- pay phone, vending machines, Michigan and Oceana County maps
Maintained by- Michigan DOT
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![[Counties]](oceanapix/locrothbury.gif)
