Platte Plains
Overview
Esch Beach Directions: Aral Rd, Honor, MI 49640
Parking Lot: Park on the side of the gravel road
Esch beach has paved parking
Restroom: Vault toilet at Esch Beach
Water: None
Trail End Rd Directions: Trail End, Honor, MI 49640
Parking Lot: Gravel
Restroom: Vault toilet
Water: None
Platte River Campground Directions:
44.719870, -86.117469 Honor, Michigan 49640
Parking Lot: Paved
Restroom: Vault toilet (Campground has flush toilets)
Water: multiple locations in the campground, but not at the trailhead
Peterson Beach Access: Peterson Rd, Honor, MI 49640
Parking Lot: Gravel
Restroom: Vault toilet
Water: None
Trail Length: multiple loops up to 14.7 miles
Terrain: mostly flat with pine, aspens, and oaks
Difficulty: easy to moderate based on distance
Pets: Allowed on trail from April 1 to Nov 30
Trail Map
Click to Enlarge
More About the Trail
There are three main loops:
Otter Creek Loop – 4.6 miles around Otter Creek and Otter Lake
Bass Lake Loop – 3.5 miles near Bass and Deer Lakes
Lasso Loop – 6.3 miles with several access points to Lake Michigan
The Platte Plains trail is set within designated wilderness and offers a relatively flat terrain that enhances its popularity among nature-lovers. With its proximity to lakes and streams, it's an easy hike adorned with plentiful wildflowers and birds. It is the Park's most extensive trail system, stretches nearly 15 miles and features three main loops to explore, as well as the parks only backcountry campground, White Pine. It's an ideal spot for a day of outdoor fun: pack a picnic, bring your canoe and fishing poles, lace up your hiking shoes, and savor quality time with family amidst the serene woods, open fields, and scenic lakes scattered throughout the plains.