Campground Connector

The Campground Connector Trail is a 4.3-mile loop that can take local hikers from the campground through Forest Service lands where it connects with the National Trail and returns to the Campground. The hikers on the North Country Trail can take the Campground Connector trail to the Campgrounds for overnight camping or longer stays so they can use the amenities or enjoy the easy walk to the local restaurants, mail a letter or stock up at the grocery, hardware or use medical facilities.

On the return section of the trail hikers will understand why “Where the Pure Waters Flow” is part of the White Cloud name.  Along a section of Campground Connector Trail the hiker will encounter Alleyton, an old area logging town built because of the artesian wells and fast cold waters of the beautiful White River. Alleyton is long gone but the Flowing Wells Park, a few foundations, an interpretive kiosk, fountains and the wells remain.   The locals still bring their water containers to fill with the pure water of the ever-flowing artesian wells.  In the Flowing Wells Park you will also notice a kayak launch and a wooden snowmobile bridge over the White River.

The paddle sports types or campers can begin their kayak trip upstream at the launch in Raceway Park.  This small pocket park is located about two blocks East of M 37 at the corner of E. James and S. State and below the White Cloud Pond Dam.  The White River is a small river that has a big personality and includes some quick turns and feisty rapids.  The rocky runs and low hanging limbs that are best navigated by experienced paddlers in maneuverable kayaks. Kayaks are also a great way to access some of the river’s excellent brown trout habitat.  Experienced fly fishermen have coaxed 20 plus inch wild brown trout from their woody condos on this stretch of the White.

Upstream from the White Cloud Pond is designated Blue River water and home to the brookies and more wild browns. The trip down stream past the campgrounds to the Flowing Wells Park take out is usually an hour and a half to two and a half hours.

Paddle times depend on water flow and how much time you spend watching for eagles, turkeys, deer, brilliant red cardinals, flowers or the beautiful fall maples.  The solitude of a winter paddle with snow on the cedars and hemlocks that live along the stream and the high ridges is an exceptional experience.

For the rugged winter sports enthusiast, the Diamond Three Snowmobile Trail runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest and crosses the White River at Flowing Wells Park. The snowmobiles are welcome in White Cloud and have designated routes from their trail to the local gas station, restaurants, and pubs. There are always a variety of sleds packed at the local pubs on football Sundays.

Whether you like the quiet sports of hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or the adrenal fueled ride along the local snowmobile trail, White Cloud provides access and the necessities.

The Campgrounds is managed by a host until the snow flies and then there is the local motel, Burch Grove School House and the Shack. The Shack’s name is an understatement because the huge 40-room classic North Country Style log built Inn is decorated with local memorabilia, beautiful wooden canoes, taxidermy mounts of trophy wildlife and has a great front porch furnished with a beautiful view of Robinson Lake.