Michigan is home to endless miles of magnificent bike trails. Many offer birds-eye views of nature, which only adds to the adventure. There is no time like the present to get out and explore. Here are some of the Great Lakes State’s top trails.
The first stop is Kensington Metropark Trail. This one is an Oakland County favorite. It is a 9.5-mile loop surrounding idyllic Kent Lake in wooded Milford. There is a cost of $10 to enter the Metropark.
Next Maybury State Park Paved Trail is located in the Northville area. The trail covers 4.8 miles, with a slight gain of 190 feet in elevation. It’s a great spot for both bird watching and mountain biking.
Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9-mile path that goes from Rochester to Lake Orion. It is the oldest non-motorized trail in Michigan. Paint Creek courses through the woods with cool sights along the way, that include some historical sites and a creek full of trout.
Stony Creek Hike-Bike Trail in Shelby Township stretches 6.2 miles from start to finish. With rocky hills that wind around the sparkling Stony Creek Lake.
The Big Rapids Riverwalk of Mecosta County is 4.7 miles long and winds around the majestic Muskegon River. If you’re in this part of the state, try and make your way down there.
East of Big Rapids, the Chippewa Trail is four miles from downtown Midland to the Chippewa Nature Center, a scenic 1,200-acre preserve with marvelous views.
The Clinton River Park Trail is a 4.5 mile path that cuts through the suburbs of Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Utica. The park is a quiet and serene setting with plenty of wildlife to be seen.
Once part of the Michigan Central Railroad, Falling Waters Trail in Jackson County has a number of natural springs and picturesque lakes to enjoy. The 10.5-mile trail runs from Concord Village over the Kalamazoo River to Jackson with an exceptional view of Lime Lake.
Hart-Montague Bike Trail is a 22-mile path inland from Lake Michigan. A section was recently added south of the White River crossing Whitehall. This is about half an hour from Ludington.
In the Upper Peninsula, just north of Negaunee right off Lake Superior is the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. It runs more than 47 miles through the Marquette Iron Range and traces old railroad lines from as early as the mid-19th century.
On the edge of Crystal Lake, a few short miles from Lake Michigan lies the Betsie Valley Trail. At 22 miles, it ranks among the longest on our list. BVT offers a specialized tour of Benzie County.
Another must-see would be the Leelanau Trail. This is 17 miles of paved pathway running north and south from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. The trail is an ex-rail corridor with bucolic scenes of rustic farms and ponds that paint the countryside.
The list wouldn’t be complete without the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Almost 22 miles in length, this trail spans the sensational Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s been said to have steep grades in some parts but you couldn’t ask for a better location.
Across the state, The Alpena Bi Path registers 14 miles and tracks by Lake Huron, with stunning vistas along the Thunder Bay River. That’s a perfect place to spend a summer day.
Mackinac Island Outer Loop is an 8.2-mile path encircling the island. The Loop offers unrivaled sights of Lake Huron. Plus a terrific view of the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
Arch Rock is a smaller, 2.1-mile trail by Mackinac Island State Park, with nature’s beauty on full display. The limestone arch is a natural wonder that hovers 140 feet above Lake Huron.
The winter season is no reason to slow things down. Fat Tire biking has proven to be a popular activity in the UP. With tires almost four inches wide, they are made to traverse the snow.
In Marquette, the Noquemanon Trail Network is the premier system of trails to trek. NTN is among two statewide to be named an EPIC Trail by the International Biking Association.
The Network runs upwards of 75 miles, with so much for people to see; from winding turns that peer out over the rushing rapids and gushing waterfalls. For the more seasoned off-road bikers, there are steeper climbs going up hundreds of feet.
Get out and ride, an adventure awaits.