Clare County: Cycling Trails, Lakes and Winter Experiences

The Green Pine Lake Pathway passes through a landscape of lakes, fields, forests and wetlands. It is suited to cycling as well as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The right activity also depends on the season: the trail combines nature and exercise without being limited to just one season.

Cycling Trails, Landscapes and Water

The Green Pine Lake Pathway is 13 miles long. If you’re looking for a different kind of route, the paved Pere Marquette Rail Trail stretches for 30 miles from downtown Clare to Midland. The City of Clare is the trail’s starting point in Clare County. That gives you a choice between two different trail profiles: a route through several types of landscape with four listed activities, and a longer, paved connection between Clare and Midland. Conditions on the Rail Trail may change; check for current updates before planning a trip.

The county’s natural attractions also include waterways. Wilson State Park covers 36 wooded acres at the northern end of Budd Lake. In Clare County, 18 lakes have public boat launches for fishing, boating and other water sports. Some lakes are privately reserved, so check access for your plans rather than assuming that all lakes offer the same opportunities.

Winter Trails and Outdoor Activities

At Snow Snake, 40 acres are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. There are also six miles of groomed winter fat bike trails. This brings two different winter activities together in one place. Since fat biking is a seasonal offering, it’s a good idea to check current winter availability before your trip.

For rides on larger ORVs, Leota ORV Trailhead offers more than 55 miles of trail. The Fur Farm Snowmobile Trail begins north of Harrison and connects to the Leota Trail. These are separate points of reference for motorized trips: the Leota Trailhead is described for larger ORVs, while the Fur Farm Trail provides a connection for snowmobile rides. Route conditions and rules may change; include current updates in your planning.

Events and History

The events calendar offers a range of seasonal occasions. The Clare Irish Festival takes place every March in the City of Clare; exact dates vary. During the festival, local restaurants, pubs and cafés serve Irish-inspired food and drinks, and participating businesses may vary. The Clare County Fair takes place in Harrison in summer and has done so since 1883, also on varying dates. If you’re planning a trip around either festival, check the dates for that year.

Artifacts and records documenting the county’s history are preserved at the Clare County Historical Society Historical Complex. Traditional blacksmithing demonstrations take place there on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; this offering may be seasonal. The origins of the Frostbite Winter Festival are another link between history and winter: it grew out of a golf event held in the early 1980s on frozen Budd Lake, where a nine-hole course was laid out.

The historic Ideal Theatre shows live theatrical performances and current movies; the program changes. At Yoders’ quilt auction and flea market, specialty food vendors offer baked goods and cheese, and the selection may vary. Both add culture and food to the outdoor offerings without being tied to the same season.

Golf and Other Activities

If you’re planning to play golf, Clare County offers a variety of courses. Devil’s Knob is a public nine-hole golf course set among the gently rolling hills of Hamilton Township. Firefly is the county’s oldest golf course. The Harrison campus of Mid Michigan College also has an 18-hole disc golf course. As with current offerings such as golf and disc golf courses, operations, access or course conditions may change; check for updates before visiting.

The options range from trails and water sports to winter activities, events, theater and golf. When planning your trip, choose a focus based on the season and your preferred activities: March and summer offer different festival dates, while cycling, hiking and winter activities provide other ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Discover more destinations: Clare, Grand Traverse, Cheboygan County, Marquette County, Alger County, Livingston, Alcona County, Washtenaw.

View the main travel guide: Michigan.