Three connected loops, a boardwalk through marshland, and a long paved rail trail showcase different sides of Lake County. There is also art and history outdoors in Idlewild, and seasonal events in Baldwin. When planning a trip with nature and cultural experiences, you can choose among the different types of trails and activities according to your interests.
Loop Trails and Winter Trails
North of Baldwin is the Pine Valley Pathway: an 8.3-mile multi-use trail with three interconnected loops. The middle loop is a 4.1-mile hike to Lost Lake and back. The route follows a wooded, non-motorized trail. In winter, all 8.3 miles are groomed for cross-country skiing; grooming depends on winter conditions. Trail conditions may change seasonally. This makes hiking and cross-country skiing the main activities on the same trail system, but in different seasons.
Marshland, Lake, and Longer Routes
In southern Lake County, a 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk crosses the swampy marshland of Sterling Marsh. There is a parking lot and an information kiosk at the trailhead. Road access may vary seasonally, so check conditions before setting out. Big Star Lake in the southwest of the county offers a different scale of scenery: at 912 acres, it is the largest lake in Lake County.
The Pere Marquette Rail Trail is 30 miles long, paved, level, and scenic. Its northern section runs from Reed City to Baldwin along US 10 and through Idlewild. The 7.5-mile section of the NCT in Lake County extends from the crossing at 16 Mile Road to the 76th Street Trailhead. These details describe different routes: a northern section of the rail trail and a precisely defined section of the NCT.
Beyond these individual examples, Lake County has more than 300 miles of trails across four trail systems. Trailheads include parking lots and staging areas. This makes it possible to choose trails suited to different types of outings, from loops to longer trail sections.
Art, History, and Events
Idlewild About Art is a free, self-guided outdoor tour through the community. It combines art and history and offers views of Idlewild Lake. The tour can be done on foot, by bicycle, or by car. This sets it apart from designated trails: the focus here is on art and history, and several modes of transportation are possible.
In Baldwin, Troutarama takes place every July as a four-day summer festival. The program includes rides, contests, live music, vendor booths, and community events for all ages. Specific dates and activities vary from year to year; check details for the current edition before visiting. Also in Baldwin is Pure Markette, a seasonal outdoor market. There, visitors can meet farmers, food producers, makers, and artisans from Michigan. Market days and vendor offerings depend on the season and vendor availability.
More Ways to Explore the Region
The Lake County Historical Museum shares the history and cultural heritage of the region. The Community House hosts free monthly programs on various topics, including memories of Big Star Lake and stories about Idlewild. A 2024 description lists these programs; check the current event calendar before your visit.
Another way to explore outdoor recreation is Lake County’s ORV Training Park. It opened in 2024 and includes four designated areas where new riders can learn to maneuver vehicles safely. Together with seasonal activities and cultural sites, it offers a wide range of options without requiring every experience to be planned the same way.
Discover more destinations: Township of Branch, Baldwin, Luce County, Muskegon, St. Clair County, Monroe County, Ingham, Ontonagon County.
For the broader travel overview: Michigan.
