322

Trails Reviewed

Find Trails & Maps

Search for Trail
Search by Location
Search by

Back to listing

Pigeon River Country SF: Inspiration Point Pathway

Trail Details

County
Otsego
Regions
Northwest
Latitude
N 45° 13' 13.80"
Longitude
W 084° 23' 23.28"
Distance
Round Trip of 0.5 miles
Trail Type
Foot path
Terrain
Open fields and ridge
Difficulty
Easy
Nearest City or Town
Vanderbilt
(map loads here)
view map
A short trail that ends at a bench, a scenic view of forested ridges and water and if you're lucky elk feeding in a grassy meadow below.
Expand All
Photos
Description
Inspiration Point is Pigeon  River Country's shortest pathway, a round-trip hike of only a half mile from the parking lot to a grassy clearing on a ridge. But the view is nice and provides the opportunity to watch elk in a field below. Also visible is Cornwell Creek Flooding and miles of forest and ridges that, in October, are ablaze with autumn colors. A great spot to enjoy your lunch or, if it's early evening, a glass of wine.
Amenities & Services
Difficulty - Easy
Dog Friendly
Foot Path
Trail Guide

From the parking area the pathway begins as gentle climb that quickly levels out in a grassy field the remnants of a 1930s CCC camp. The trail climbs again and, at Mile 0.28, breaks out at the scenic overlook at an elevation of 940 feet.

A bench looks to the west at a variety of forest cover types and a glimpse of Cornwall Flooding. The 161-acre impoundment was created in 1966 to provide a “trout lake,” on Cornwall Creek, which feeds into the Pigeon River, but is now populated by bass, bluegill, and other panfish.

The large open field below the ridge is maintained by DNR as an enhanced elk habitat and the large animals are often seen passing through in the fall. Another area to view elk during the bugling season is just north on Osmun Road at Elk Viewing Area No. 4, a pullout overlooking another grassy field.

Facilities

Other than parking for a handful of vehicles, there are no other amenities at the pathway trailhead.

Hours & Fees

The Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters (989-983-4101) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A state park recreation passport is required at the Inspiration Point Trailhead.

Directions

From the state forest headquarters, head north on Twin Lakes Road for 3.3 miles. At the Chaffee Trail intersection, Twin Lakes becomes Osmun Road. Continue north on it for another mile, and the pathway is posted on the west side of Osmun Road just before the intersection with Clark Bridge Road.

Information

For additional information stop or call the Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters (989-983-4101), an impressive log lodge on Twin Lakes Road. For travel information to the area contact the Gaylord Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-345-8621).


Geo-referenced maps from MichiganTrailMaps.com range from $1.99 to $2.99 each.

Download the Avenza app from the App Store or Google Play

App Store Google Play

Michigan TrailMaps.com Michigan's Premier Trail Resource Contact

Trail Mix News

by travel and outdoor writer Jim DuFresne!

Sign Up
Enews Signup
Find a Trail

Find Trails & Maps

Search for Trail
Search by Location
Search by