Pigeon River Country SF: Inspiration Point Pathway

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Pigeon River Country SF: Inspiration Point Pathway

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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

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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.

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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.

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Amenities & Services

Difficulty - Easy

Dog Friendly

Foot Path

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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.

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Facilities

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Pigeon River Country SF: Inspiration Point Pathway

Trail Details

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