Gladstone, MI

Pioneer Trails DGC

3.295(based on 7 reviews)
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17 0
DFrah
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.8 years 227 played 225 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Technical Trails

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 2, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

Pioneer Trails is a 24-hole DGC that plays next to a campground of the same name near Escanaba, MI. The course plays on the technical side throughout. There are a nice mix of left turns, right turns, and straight fairways cut into the forest.

The first half or so of the course centers around a ridge running parallel to the park drive. There are some nice moderate elevation changes throughout this part of the course. My favorite hole on the course was probably #4, which plays along the top of the ridge. The ridge slopes off to the left and the 315' fairway curls gently to the right - then slightly uphill to the basket. No other hole before #13 is longer than this, but the tight curling fairways will challenge many disc golfers.

The second half of the course plays a little bit longer, although it also contains a couple of flatter sections. A murky pond is there to be avoided on hole 19, and a poor throw or RHBH fade out on hole 24 could roll down a steep hill into the Escanaba River. There is a signed path back to the parking area after hole 18 if you don't want to contend with these water hazards.

This course has two tees per hole - Blue tees to challenge most disc golfers, and Red tees that are a good choice for newer players or those looking for ace runs. I only played one round from the Blues but it looked like the Red layout gets plenty of use for the latter purpose, as many of the tee sign posts had a good number of signatures Sharpie'd on them. The tee signs appear at both tees and are color coded accordingly. They have all of the required info including a detailed hole description and notes. Whoever "narrated" the notes cannot seem to decide on the skill level of his/her target audience. One sign talks about the reader potentially eagling a 410' hole (par 4), but another one found a couple holes later discusses the ideal second shot to recover from a "likely bad throw" off the tee.

The baskets are yellow banded DISCatchers in fine shape. One per hole.

Navigation is fine overall, as the course flows smoothly from hole to hole. In addition to the tee signs mentioned above, each tee has a short color coded post with the hole number facing the direction you will walk up to the tee from. Some tee sign notes also mention where the next hole is, if you have the presence of mind and memory to take advantage. The few actual navigational signs might be slightly confusing at first, because they read "Basket # [next]" and an arrow when really they mean "Tee/Hole # [next]". There is also a walk across the campground between holes 23 and 24, where a couple more arrows would be helpful.

A nice kiosk and course map are posted at the parking lot. The campground has restrooms available.

Cons:

Hole 8 plays down a hill and across the camp road. There are warnings posted, but this still is not a good idea IMO. The hole is located near the entrance to the camp/park so people could turn in off the busy highway and not expect a disc (or person) to be there on the camp road. The finishing hole also plays along the camp road.

I felt that a few fairways were unreasonably tight. One of the worst offenders was hole 13, which plays 335' straight ahead through a hallway of trees maybe 10' wide. The tee sign narrator here says that "you have to be really good to hit the gap" or something like that. Uh huh. In any case, there are definitely not any open bomber holes on site.

The tee pads are just OK. They are gravel, but at least framed in wood so I suspect they stay fairly flat.

Two practice baskets exist, but good luck finding them on your first visit. There is one near hole 24's basket and another near the playground in the campground. Neither of these is anywhere close to the parking lot or first tee. The one near hole 24's basket should be relocated, if not both.

More benches and trash cans at tees would be nice.

I think hole 24's blue pad was removed to make way for a new rental cabin, but there is still a red pad.

It's a pretty long walk from hole 24's basket back to the parking area by hole 1.

Road noise is very audible on the front half or so of the course.

Other Thoughts:

This course costs $3/day to play. If the camp office is open you can pay there, but it's not open on weekends. For weekend visitors there is also a self-registration tube next to the office, so I just stuffed my cash in there.

Holes 25-27 shown on the kiosk map (which is the same as the map uploaded here) don't actually exist as of this writing. I'm not convinced that they ever existed. Based on the map and checking the actual area out, it looks like the course designers were planning some epic water carries across the river for these three holes. In reality, the river is currently too high to make this feasible even for skilled disc golfers. I could not tell if the island landing zone shown in the middle of the river on the map actually even has any dry land, or if it is just cattails and a couple of trees rooted a few feet underwater.

Overall, Pioneer Trails DGC is a solid technical play with a few issues. I was between 3.0 and 3.5 rating, so I think the current average of ~3.3 is spot on. I ultimately decided to round up because I think the course would offer a different experience from the Red tees. I would strongly recommend North Bluff DGC up the road first, but if you have more time in the Escanaba area this one is definitely worth a play.
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20 0
wolfhaley
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.9 years 970 played 542 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 5, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Pioneer Trails runs through a beautiful piece of woods next to the campground. The course features undulating terrain and is heavily wooded on nearly every. The course steers clear of the campsites, minus hole 24, but you'd really have to shank one to have an issue there.

The baskets are your standard, yellow banded DISCatchers. Not the newest by any means but these work well. Very easy to spot these in the shadowy woods. It appears there's one pin position per hole.

The tee pads are decent. They're framed up wood pads filled with crushed gravel. While these generally aren't my favorite kind of tee, I didn't really have any complaints with these. Some of the better one's I've seen actually. There is 2 tee pads on every hole as far as I could tell. These are well done in varying the difficulty. The reds (shorts) are very short and about perfect for beginners. The blues (longs) not only add distance but routinely change the shot shape required. Sometimes pretty drastically.

The tee signs are also very well done. The feature an aerial map of the hole and show both tee pad positions. It's just a section zoomed in of the entire course map. But it works well. They also feature the hole #, distance, par and each one has a "tips,tricks and notes" section on the right side that gives you a run down of what you want to accomplish on the given hole. Explaining any unseen risks that might not be apparent without walking the fairway. Excellent little touch.

There are also quite a few next tee signs in places that need it. Well, technically they're next basket signs, but you get the point. This is especially prevalent on the last 6 holes. This makes the flow of the course extremely easy to follow.

The course is permanent and was generally pretty clean.

Cons:

The last hole definitely feels tacked on, and actually takes you further away from the parking lot than just ending on 23. I get that they were planning on having 3 more holes down by the river. But without those, 24 should just be skipped and/or scrapped altogether.

The course is $3/person to play for non campers. Not really a con, but instead of having envelopes to pay at the donation tube, you need to check in at the office. Me, being in a hurry to get started, checked for envelopes, didn't see any so I just slid our 6 bucks in the tube. Only to realize 5 seconds later that you needed to check in. Luckily they were cool about my lapse in the office.

Some of the lines are a bit, um, imaginative. Maybe they were cleared out better years ago and have grown in. Can't say for sure as this was my first time playing. But a little bit of trimming would definitely improve a few holes. There's a few early, but especially on the last 6 holes. Well, 5 really, 24 is mostly open.

As mentioned in a prior revew, The tee pads could be a con for some. I didn't have any issues but I don't have much of a run up. If you do, then these probably won't be your cup of tea. Not so much the grip, but more the drop offs in front and alongside some of them.

Other Thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed my round here on a beautiful summer afternoon. I'd definitely play this one again if I'm travelling through. Probably going to take an average group of 2 or 3 players a couple hours. But it's well worth it if you're into tight, technical golf.
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15 0
XC_Eddy
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.7 years 30 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

An Honest Review of PTP 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 30, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Pioneer Trail Park is a great wooded disc golf course. As a local for the past year I have played the course dozens of times. Blue Tees are a fun challenge during the summer months and Red Tees are great for approach practice, beginners, and winter rounds.

-Lines are difficult but fair. This is not a poke and hope course, but the heavy woods function as natural OB. Players who throw off of the fairway will be punished with poor looks that often result in bogies. There are trees on every hole. Hole 8 is the only open hole, and even that one has some trees that can come into play.

-Some holes have multiple lines off the tee. In particular, holes #1, #2, #3, #11, and #15 present players with two or more viable options off of the the tee. Most other holes have one intuitive line, but players may choose different throws to hit said line. For example, both #6 and #7 are big left turns. However, I have seen both pins reached with righthand backhand and forehand throws.

-Memorable holes: #8 is a short downhill ace run that carries across the road. It's a fun hole that breaks up the otherwise unceasing string of heavily wooded holes.
#16 is a bear of a hole appropriately labeled "Lefty's Cliff." Golfers are met with a tight line over a hill with a steep dropoff on the left side of the fairway. In my opinion the most difficult hole of the regular 18.
#19 is the only water carry on the course, but is a "good disc hole." Players throw maybe a little under 200' over a mucky pond before entering left bending tunnel. It's a cool hole.

-Good signage. It is clear where the course begins, as indicated by a large "Disc Golf Course Starts Here" sign that it is impossible to miss. Tee signs are accurate, in great condition, and even offer tips and hole descriptions. There is a sign near hole #18's basket pointing back towards the parking area if you choose to finish there.

-Intuitive Course Flow. I can't recall ever getting lost on this course. Playing this course feels like going for a hike through the woods while playing disc along the way. Just follow the trail.

-Challenging holes mixed in with relatively easier holes. #8 and #9 present very reasonable birdie opportunities. Holes #16-18 have a reputation for ruining good rounds. The course as a whole is challenging.

The course has amenities in the form of the camp office. Food, drink, and a limited selection of discs are available there.

Cons:

-Mosquitoes are terrible at this course in the summer. Can be almost unplayable without bug dope.

-Tunnel Shot Redundancy. This is partially a natural quality of heavily wooded disc golf courses, but it can feel repetitive. #13 is a long narrow straight tunnel shot. #18 is a straight longer but wider tunnel shot. Holes with only one viable line adds to this feeling.

-Raised Gravel Teepads. This is my biggest issue with PTP. Gravel teepads develop ruts, which become puddles when it rains. There is also a dropoff off the front of the teepad, which is as high as 2-3 feet on some holes. Not only do the teepads throw players off mentally, but they also present a safety hazard. I have not fallen off the front of a teepad, but know players who have. It is quite conceivable to twist and ankle or suffer a similar joint injury with these poorly designed teepads. My hunch is that these might never evolve into rubber or cement in part because that would admit that this course is indeed permanent.

-The ground cover is very thick. Most of the course is covered with dead leaves and sticks. This is intentional for the well-being of the park's trees, but also can make it difficult to find discs.

Similarly, there are many small trees that are growing in and on the edge of fairways. I have heard the rule of thumb for a wooded disc golf fairway is to remove all trees that you can fit your hand around. Many trees were removed in the making of this course, and many more would have to be removed to meet that guideline. As it stands, the course feels minimally maintained for disc golf purposes.

-Similarly, at the time of this review update (6/11/19), PTP has many downed trees and woodpiles in and on the edge of course fairways. Many of the parks beach trees had to be cut down due to a disease that killed most of them. The County has cut many of them down, but full removal is still in process. In the meantime, be prepared for substantial brush piles including on #11 and #16.

-Holes #19-#24 feel like an afterthought, even with #19 being a great hole. They are less broken in, less played, and less maintained than #1-#18.

-Holes #25-27 will likely never be installed. It's a cool idea to play on the island in the river, but in reality it's more river than island most of the time. In 2019 we've had particularly high water levels. Lake Michigan is as high as ever up here, as is the Escanaba River that boarders PTP.

-As of the summer of 2017 PTP is now pay to play. Cost is $3 per day or $55 for a seasonal pass, neither of which is unreasonable to play a high quality course. That being said, it is currently unclear exactly where the funds from course entry fees will go. Will they go towards course improvements: better teepads, course maintenance, etc., or will entry fees go towards other improvements throughout the park? This is yet to be seen, but time will tell.
UPDATE June 2019: Course is still pay to play, but arguably not up to pay to play standards. Still a good course in design, but is in need of some maintenance.

-The summary of my complaints is that this a disc golf course within the confines of a county park and campground. Pioneer Trail Park is a county park and a campground first, and home to one of the best disc golf courses in the Upper Peninsula second.

-Furthermore, clashes between park management and the local club has created a situation where organized disc golf events are prohibited at PTP: no leagues, no clubs, only pay to play casual rounds. Definitely still worth checking out if you are in the area because it is a legitimately fun wooded disc golf course.

Other Thoughts:

Don't be deceived by local politics that have negatively affected PTP. Judging the course solely on the merits of being a good disc golf course, PTP is a great disc golf course that with more love and care could be an excellent course.
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5 0
Double Helix
Experience: 34.9 years 192 played 10 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Play This Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 15, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has most every challenge you could look for except water. You need every shot in the bag. Long and short tees. Great signs are super helpful. For the most part flow is really smooth, not a lot to get lost on for a newbie. Nice visible baskets. Some of the best shot variety I've seen in a course. Amazing aesthetics. Love the tips on the tee signs. 24 holes is a plus.Camping on site for a good price.

Cons:

Only minor complaints. More of a rightey backhand favorable course. Good flow but if you get off track you are lost. Not all tees are the best. Some blind shots where you have to go up to check it out

Other Thoughts:

This course gets some bad reviews but i can't see why. This course may be the best i played in a tour of the UP. Great shot variety, good sinage and flow, proper chains. I think some people equate a challange to a negative rating. This course is forgiving enough for the beginners from the shorts and a challenge for the advanced player from the longs.
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3 5
da Crippler
Experience: 12.1 years 58 played 3 reviews
1.50 star(s)

cluttered and unkempt 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 27, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

nice stairs going down to 8, camping available, free disc golf for campers, the rest of the park is very nice, it has a playground, a baseball diamond, a boat launch, walking trails and rentable pavilions and shelters. The course has a wide variety of throws with some nice elevation changes and a nice flow.

Cons:

mosquitos are very bad, ticks in the park carry Lyme disease, lots of deadfall and clutter laying on the fairways, no leagues or tournaments allowed at the course, it's p2p. Gravel tee pads are dished out. It was supposed to be 27 holes but has only 24 and is still not finished after 7 years.

Other Thoughts:

The course has been neglected by the county and has been pretty much abandoned by most local players. It's a great course but park management considers it an amenity for campers only and discourages play by locals and non-campers.
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12 0
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
3.50 star(s)

trees trees trees...oh look, a tree. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 23, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Aesthetic-- plays through the woods at a large campground on the shores of the Escanaba River. Area seems to be largely DG exclusive but I believe there are hiking trails that intertwine so be careful and watch for non-DG'ers. When the final 9 are installed, they are much more close to public areas... throw carefully.

Variety-- there is a wide variety of distances here along with many turnovers and left fades. There is never a monotonous moment here. This course will keep you guessing to be sure.

Elevation/Rollaways-- great use of elevation throughout with many holes following ridges and valleys in the topography. #8 over the road is a nice little ace run as is #9 up the hill.

Uniqueness-- While not installed yet, the last three holes that play to and from the island will surely be a unique touch to this course. I would be very interested to see how these turn out.

Teepads-- while they are natural teepads, they are level and without ruts. I really can't complain about them.

Dual tees-- I completely agree that the blue tees are challenging and the reds are good for newbies.. I would say, however, that the red tees are just shorter versions of the blue tees rather than offering a unique view of the hole.

Baskets-- brand new discatchers, highly visible in the thick woods...

Routing and nav-- easy easy. never once did I feel lost. Trails are fairly well beat in. Some next tees are helpful.

Cons:

Amenities-- Benches and a trashcan or two would be welcomed here. While the course isn't crazy long, it's always nice to have something to put your bag on between holes. And, while pack in/pack out isn't bad in theory, in practice, it doesn't work...Garbage will build up.

Teesigns-- while I'm sure this change as the course continues to evolve, the current signs don't have anything but tee numbers on them.

Uncontrollables-- bugs bugs bugs.. holy crap the mosquitoes here are terrible. Maybe a few bat boxes would help?? The next 6 holes after 18 are apparently on much lower ground so water could be bad after the snow melts and after heavy rains. Also, the stink from the junk collector next door (along with his god damn rooster crowing) were a bit distracting.

Other Thoughts:

Overall this was a great way to start our UP weekend. Excited to see how this course evolves over time!
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8 1
superberry
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.9 years 336 played 95 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Real UP disc golf 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 11, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Tight, technical, long and punishing, and also short heart pounding ace runs. This course is just plain fun to play.
Two sets of tees are perfect for the area, un-accustomed to disc golf until 2013. The Blue tees are par 55, and sure to entice and appease the advanced traveling playing (SSA likely around 51 or so). The red tees are amazing for all the newcomers in the area and campers at the park to become involved in the sport other than at wide open city parks.
Plenty of risky greens and even fairways which traverse along pretty densely wooded ridges with sharp drop-offs.
OB in the form of a pond (blue tee water crossing of 275' or so), road, and private railroad property.
Variation of distances within this practically 99% wooded course range from around 195' to 490'+.
Punishment for a bad drive, all lines are fair and wide, but hitting a tree can kick you off course into some untamed rough. Sometimes playing accurate golf in the fairway is better than power golf.
The downhill floater off the hill across the road is a great exciting ace run and the one opportunity for relief from the trees on the front 18.

Cons:

Right now tees are just natural, not even leveled in some places. The park staff is working on improving these, and likely utilize a stone base topped with Watch it Bend Pads (unless they can work out an arrangement for the labor and donation of concrete).
The island holes are seasonal and actually yet to be played due to water levels and politics. So, just a 24 hole 'mainland' course out of a 27 hole design.
6 of the 24 mainland holes were not installed in 2013, this makes them feel a bit less open and different from the rest of the course because they are not broken in.
The road noise on the highway is pretty loud, takes away from the secluded disc golf experience.
Permanent tee signs are actually not going to be installed until July 4th.

Other Thoughts:

This course is very fun to play. The blue tees are well balanced and exciting, and for a change of pace the red tees are excellent ace runs, or beginner tees.
Escanaba area has just experienced a boom in disc golf. PTP gives the diehard players an excellent spot to enjoy, learn, and love the game. The two shorter 9ers in town offer ample opportunity for residents.
Level all tees, keep all signage up, and keep the island holes in for the complete 27 hole layout!
Visit the Days River trail area while you're in town. Imagine a disc golf course there and tell the State of MI DNR to contact Watch it Bend!
Make a vacation roadtrip up Hwy 41. Play PTP, then Silver Creek and Powder Mill in Marquette.
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