This paved rail-trail stretches for 22.5 miles over 225 acres between Hart and Montague. The trail is popular because of its close proximity to Lake Michigan, and offers a safe, peaceful passage without the worry of motorized vehicles. The Trail was recently renamed in honor of William Field who passed away in 2005. Field was an asparagus and cherry farmer and was instrumental in making the trail a reality. Field began his efforts in 1982 to convert the passage into a trail, despite opposition. He used $175,000 of his own money to purchase the 22-mile section of land, then donated it to the state. In 1989, the first 11 miles of the trail were open to the public.

A $4.5 million project to re-build the trail will begin late June 2015. Improvements include re-paving the entire trail and widening it to 10 feet. The plan is to crush it, grate it and re-pave it in three, 8-mile sections, making it more durable to accommodate snowmobiles. The parking area in Hart will also be re-paved. Most of the funding will come from federal and state trail grants. The project will be split into three phases--Phase 1 will be between Montague and Rothbury, Phase 2 from Rothbury to Shelby and the final phase from Shelby to Hart. Work is expected to be complete by October.

The entire trail is accessible for hiking, biking, in-line skating, skiing--and if there's 4+ inches of snow, snowmobiling. South of Rothbury, it is also marked as a dog-sledding route. Throughout the trail, you can appreciate the beauty of Oceana County and its many crops of apples, cherries, and asparagus. Perhaps the most scenic stretch is between Mears and Shelby, where you can enjoy views from two rest stops, one of which features a deck that overlooks East Golden Pond.

Take a historic glimpse into the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail, which is the former route of the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore RR Company. Both the Shelby and New Era Trailheads have information about the formation of the railroads and about an 1894 train wreck.

Picnic tables, restrooms, and water are available along the way, at the Shelby Trailhead, New Era at milepost 12, Montague, and at the Rothbury Community Park. Benches and shady areas are also found at various points throughout the trail. For a longer stop, venture into any of the villages along the way, which offer restaurants, campgrounds, and hotels/motels. You can rent a bicycle in both Mears and Shelby, and there are 20 exercise stations along a one-mile stretch of trail in the village of Shelby.

Fresh, clean air, fishing, wildlife watching, and great exercise--the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Bike Trail is just what the doctor ordered for a stress-free day!

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.