7415 S Forest Hill Rd Parking 7415 S Forest Hill Rd, St Johns, MI 48879, Michigan, USA
Your Northern Gateway to the CIS Trail in St. Johns
Type:
Rural recreational trail access car park. This is a designated trailhead providing public access to the Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee (CIS) Trail. It’s an unstaffed, open-air surface lot located in a quiet agricultural area north of St. Johns.
Open:
The car park is open year-round, 24/7. For safety, use of the trail is recommended during daylight hours, from dawn until dusk. Overnight parking is discouraged.
Rating:
This trailhead is appreciated by trail users for its convenient location and direct access to a well-maintained section of the CIS Trail. It typically earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in online reviews for its utility and peaceful setting.
Pricing & Permits
Parking is entirely free for all users. The CIS Trail is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a linear state park, and unlike gated parks, it does not require a Recreation Passport or any other fee for access.
Capacity & Physical Features
This is a moderately sized car park with a compacted gravel surface, capable of accommodating approximately 20-30 vehicles. A key feature is the standard informational kiosk found at most official trailheads. This kiosk provides a detailed map of the CIS Trail, highlights local points of interest, and outlines trail rules and etiquette. A bench is often available for users to rest or change footwear.
Accessibility
The car park has a gravel surface which may be challenging for some mobility devices. The trail itself, with its crushed limestone surface, is generally flat and firm, making it accessible for hybrid bicycles, pushchairs, and many types of wheelchairs, though it is not as smooth as a paved asphalt surface.
EV Infrastructure
There are no Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at this rural location. The nearest charging facilities are located in the city of St. Johns, several miles to the south.
Peak Times & Occupancy
The car park is busiest on weekends with pleasant weather, particularly in the late spring, summer, and autumn. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are peak times. However, due to its ample size and rural location, it rarely reaches full capacity. Weekday use is generally light.
Walkability Score and Locations:
This is a destination for recreational activity with a low Walkability Score. Its purpose is to provide a starting point for exploring the CIS Trail. From this lot, users can head south for a scenic 5-mile ride into the city of St. Johns, or north into more remote farmland and wooded areas. The trail provides a safe, car-free route for exercise and nature appreciation.
Nearby Amenities:
There are no on-site amenities such as toilets or drinking water. Users must be self-sufficient. The full range of amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, petrol stations, and bike shops, can be found in the nearby city of St. Johns.
Alternative Parking Comparison:
The CIS Trail has several official trailheads. Compared to parking in downtown St. Johns, the Forest Hill Rd lot offers a quieter, more nature-oriented starting point. It is the primary northern access point for St. Johns, ideal for those wanting to begin their journey outside the city limits.
Important Notices:
This is a multi-use trail; be courteous to other walkers, cyclists, and runners. In winter, the trail may be used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Remember to take all rubbish with you as there are limited bins.
Maintenance:
The Michigan DNR, with significant help from the volunteer group “Friends of the CIS Trail,” maintains the facility. This includes grading the car park, mowing the trail verges, and ensuring the trail surface is in good condition.
Expert Tips:
This trailhead is the perfect starting point for a round-trip journey to St. Johns. You can enjoy a peaceful 5-mile ride into the city, have lunch at a local cafe, and then return. The trail section south of this point is particularly well-maintained and scenic.
Future Developments:
The primary long-term goal for trail advocates is to secure funding to pave the entire CIS Trail with asphalt. Paving this section would significantly enhance its accessibility and appeal to a wider range of users, including families with young children and road cyclists.
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