A great way to experience nature in Clare County is by hiking the Green Pine Pathway. Hikers traveling the pathway often encounter a wide variety of wildlife within a short distance and can visit many habitats in which they can be found such as lakes, fields, woodlands and wetlands. The Green Pine Pathway consists of 11-miles of non-motorized trails. Of the 11 miles of trails; 4.5 miles of trails were reconstructed in 2005. The remaining 6.5 miles will be reconstructed during the summer of 2006; providing a fresh look to the trails for all to enjoy.

Also available in the summer of 2006, will be a 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail, which will begin at the Mud Lake Campground. The interpretive trail will provide information to hikers, on the ecological importance of the diverse habitats that can be found in Clare County. Included in a brochure available at the trailhead; will be a brief background and interesting facts about each site. This will be a perfect way for young people and families to explore and learn about their environment in an enjoyable manner.

HikingMichigan worked on the trail again in 2013 and made a new map.

Green Pine Pathway has 2 accessible trailheads.

• On M-115 North of the Lake Station Rd intersection.
• Mud Lake Campground off Brown Rd. A great blog of the trail written in June, 2012 starts at Mud Lake Campground.

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Original Map of the trail… NOTE: Trail map is not oriented with North at the top. North is toward the left side of the map (M-115 Parking Lot).