Picking a path

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Mari Featherston and Jeri Kring stroll down the Keith McKellop Walkway recently. The area boasts many trails and people should take caution and make walking a safe experience.

CADILLAC — Roger Hopkins was the victim of peer pressure a few years ago.

The retired teacher was enticed by a friend to buy a mountain bike but he never once has regretted the purchase. In fact, it has allowed him to use one of his favorite trail systems more, the Cadillac Pathway.

There are two entrances to the trail, one at Boon Road and Seeley Road and the other at the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District.

In the winter, Hopkins uses the trail to cross-country ski and helps to maintain it. In the summer he uses the trail system to hike and bike.

“First of all, it is a beautiful trail and it is very tranquil. It is very nice to be out in nature and not having to deal with cars but I still have a road bike,” he said. I like the experience of being in the woods with nature.”

Although the Cadillac Pathway is Hopkins favorite trail system in the area, there are countless trails throughout the area that hikers, bikers and even casual walkers may enjoy.

These walkways and trails include the McKenzie Trail, the North Country Trail, the White Pine Trail, Mitchell-Heritage Nature Trail and the Manistee River Trail. There also are a number of walkways such as the Keith McKellop Walkway and the Lake Cadillac Bike Path.

With so many trails systems around the area, DNR Unit Manager with the Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division Bill Sterrett said residents and visitors are lucky to have them available.

“There are quite a few in the area. Within Wexford, Lake and Osceola counties, we have six trails that are listed as the hiking, biking and cross country trails in the winter time,” Sterrett said. “They are really fortunate because those are just the state forest trails. That doesn’t include things like the national forest land.”

While Hopkins and Sterrett think more people should take advantage of the trails and walkways in the area, there are some precautions people should take, according to Cadillac Director of Public Safety Jeff Hawke.

These precautions include walking with at least one other person or in a group, walking in well lit areas and familiar areas, and making sure someone knows where you are going and when you should return. He also added that it is good if a walker is carrying a personal warning device such as key chain devices and personal alarms.

“Generally, assault crimes happen by people known by each other. The common types of street crimes that happen in larger metropolitan area are rare in our community but no community is immune,” Hawke said. “So it’s important to use common sense and caution and have awareness, and normally that is enough to keep you safe.”

rcharmoli@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)

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Finding a trail