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Fred Meijer extension to the trail.

By animalsrluv in January, 2013

We have completed this section of the trail many times now. It is so beautiful in the winter and very rarely traveled. My dogs love the chance to roam. It is not the usual boring flat land. There are hills to enjoy and woods. It goes from 8th ave. in Marne to the offices of Meijer on Walker St. It also goes under the I96 expressway to a beautiful field at Meijer offices. The field at the office is not paved but the paved area goes off to 3 mile Rd.
Mostly industrial area with a lot of farmland and woods. I would recommend this for all trail users.

Trail is extended

By deckheck in August, 2012

Good news! Phase 1 of the Musketawa-White Pine Trail Connector is paved and open for use! It begins at the 8th Avenue staging area of the Musketawa Trail. It extends in an east/southeasterly direction for about 4.5 miles to Peach Ridge Avenue. I found it to be a beautiful ride primarily through farmland and woodlands. Three or four light industrial businesses are visible around Fruit Ridge Avenue and again at Walker Ridge Drive but the buildings and grounds are neat and well maintained. The trail starts out at 8th Avenue following an abandoned rail corridor but soon parallels existing tracks. The existing tracks are owned by the Coopersville & Marne Railway, a local train excursion company. But this section of track is not part of their normal route so there is little or no chance of seeing a train. The trail does not follow the grade of the existing tracks so there are some ups and downs that require multiple gear shifts on a bicycle. Often there is a buffer of trees and brush between the trail and the tracks and the trail sometimes meanders away from the tracks. All in all, it is not your typical straight, flat rail-trail. And since there is a tunnel under busy Fruit Ridge Avenue, there is the joy of traveling from Hayes to Walker Ridge approximately 2.5 miles without having to cross a street! Just make sure you are alert at the occasional farm crossing. Some will be disappointed that the closest amenity to the trail is a convenience store about 200 yards south on Fruit Ridge. But, if you enjoy solitude, this is a great ride!

By tawas in August, 2012

Kind of a Boring Ride

By lvicelli3 in July, 2012

Rode west from Ravenna about 10 miles on a super hot day. (car thermometer showed 111 degrees when we returned!). Not much shade and not much to look at on the route we took. Trail was in good shape and wasn't a bad ride. Make sure to bring anything you need because you won't find it on the trail west of Ravenna.

Muskatawa Trail

By sbwojton in April, 2012

We live in Muskegon, so we as beginning bikers have done the trails by our house, often going east from Muskegon. I went by myself one day from Muskegon to Ravenna and back, and said to my wife a couple days ago "we should load up the bikes and go from Ravenna to Marne". Well, we almost made the whole trip, however, the scenery is so much better on that leg than the Muskegon to Ravenna trip, that I think that's the one we will always do. We biked that both days this weekend. Conklin and Ravenna are beautiful!

Pure Bliss!

By lamerex4 in October, 2010

The 5.5 miles between Ravenna and Conklin are absolutely beautiful. An arbor of trees; picturesque farms, wild flowers and birds await you. The trail is uncrowded and well-maintained. There's a slight incline going from Ravenna towards Conklin, so it's an easy ride back to Ravenna.

Round trip Muskegon to Ravenna

By willywas in July, 2009

Had some time for a long ride and decided to make the trip from downtown Muskegon to Ravenna on the Musketawa Trail. Found a route to link from downtown to the trail by taking the Laketon path through town towards the trail. It appears that the Laketon path has been recently added to, taking the route past US-31 and towards the Musketawa trail. The trail ends leaving you heading East towards the trail with no well marked route. Fortunately someone has posted so small stenciled signs that direct you towards the trail.

I found the trail, beginning at Sherman and Black Creek Rd, and I was off to Ravenna. Heading East is relatively easy as I had strong West wind at the back. The trail itself is in great shape with only a few minor ruts. The width is consistent, and overall I never saw any sign of neglect. Muskegon County was even trimming trees that were encroaching on the trail, very nicely cared for. Numerous riders were on trail, walking, roller blading, even had to dodge some horse patties. Looks like people are using the trail as intended. Not one sign of any litter of glass, very refreshing.

As for stop points, there are few. You better be packing fluids. Except for one sign for a store about 1/2 mile off trail, and a vending machine, there is nothing until Ravenna. In Ravenna you will need to look for some stores to recharge your fluids. The main part of town is North of the trail, near the trail head parking. I did not go past Adams Rd, so there may a store near Ravenna Rd.

The ride back to Muskegon could wear on you, if a strong west wind is present. The round trip from the Holiday Inn to Ravenna was 40 miles, a good ride on mostly level terrain.

I would rate the trail condition as 4+, and the scenery as 4. The points lost for scenery result from the trail running adjacent to high voltage lines. I did see several turkey cross the trail and the stop was worth watching.

Look forward to a revisit to find the last connection from Muskegon's Laketon route into the Musketawa Trail

Definately bring liquids

By teddgram in June, 2009

I've done the entire trail twice.

The first time was on a hot windy day. Leaving from the 8th Ave trailhead, it's pretty nice and shaded until you get to Ravenna. Once you get west of there you are heading almost due west, and the prevailing winds start to come into play. Since it was close to 90 degrees that day and it was windy, I ran out of water before I even got the the Muskegon trailhead. Like a previous reviewer started, there aren't too many places to get water along the trail. I was looking for someone with a garden hose, to no avail. I had run my hydration pack and 3 water bottles dry (I must have been really thirsty - that's 5 liters of water!).

The second time I had much better luck since it was cooler and less windy.

Overall it's a nice trail, well maintained, a few ruts, but not too bad. The section between Ravenna and Muskegon is pretty wide open and there isn't much shade or shelter from the wind. Since it runs along the power lines, it's easy for the wind to slow you up if you are heading westbound. If you keep riding west past the trailhead you can find some restaurants to get a bite to eat.

Ban horses

By Rickeelrivertrail in September, 2006

" This is a trail that would be tops but for the horse manure, some of which has been there a long time. We don't know of another trail that allows horses on the pavement except this one. It is a dangerous and unsavory practice we hope they will change."

Countryside Gem

By Rickeelrivertrail in August, 2006

" This trail ought to be the poster child for why all states should preserve rail corridors before they are closed. Musketawa is on edge of a large city (Grand Rapids) but heads out in the quiet countryside immediately and is completely rural save for two small villages.
East half of trail is mostly wooded, west half is largely open fields with beautiful views.
In August, you can buy peaches, apricots and blueberries at numerous grower's markets within five mile radius of east end of trail.
Don't miss Arnie's Bakery Restaurants in Grand Rapids, family restaurant with on-site baked goods and no alcohol."

Great Inline Skating

By in March, 2006

This trail is excellent for inline skating. I did the entire length from Muskegon to Marne. Be sure to carry water. There are only two towns along the way where you can buy a drink and no source of free water.

Good trail for tour

By in November, 2005

"I rode this trail as part of my 2002 solo tour, west to east. I enjoyed all of the trail; it was well maintained.

On tour, finding services is part of the adventure. The bench and rest area between Ravenna and Muskegon (privately provided?) were near a C-store and a good place for dinner. Ravenna had most services; unfortunately it was a laundry day and the laundromat closed early. Otherwise the town was nice. The next morning I saw momma turkey & chicks on the trail, but found no services east of Ravenna.

I would return again, and in fact am planning to do so in 2006."

rest stop near muskegon

By in August, 2005

"Big thank you to the owner of the property along the trail near muskegon that set up the vending/benchs and potty. Riding as family with 3 children under age 9, it was a welcomed comfort spot. A shade tree would be a nice addition. Trail is very nice. "

Good biking and skiing

By in June, 2005

"This was the first trail that really got me into biking. The scenery is beautiful for the eastern half, from Marne to Ravenna. The views are amazing on a summer evening especially if you're going west.

The second half isn't as nice as the first but it's still fun. Sometimes there will be a strong headwind coming off the lake so be prepared for a great workout if there's a west wind, since you're heading due west for the second half. The road crossings get busy as you approach Muskegon if you're out during rush hour, so be careful out there.

As a local I ride this trail about twice a week or more and would have to say it's the best overall I've ridden yet. Make sure to go to the bar in Conklin (they've got Guinness on tap!)

I've also cross country skied this trail. It makes for great skiing as long as the base is thick enough that there aren't dry patches to navigate around. You still probably will have to take your skiis off at most road crossings.

There are many benches and scenic overlooks along the way that are well maintained.

The trail gets especially crowded on nice weekend days. Usually it's fairly empty, especially when you get further away from any of the parking areas."

Musketawa Trail

By in November, 2004

"This is a fine ride from Marne to Ravana. Conklin is in between the two so you are never more than seven miles from a beverage or some food. This is the nicest trail I have ridden.

The trail goes through corn fields, orchards, across creeks. I have seen the suckers run, deer, hundreds of rabbits, beautiful birds. Yes there are snakes, skunks and wood chucks as well but I have not seen them often. The trail is smooth. There are a few restraunts in Ravana or you can bar hop. This trail is for most anyone. It is faily flat. Most users on this trail are polite. This trail from Muskegon to Ravana is a little dull but not a bad ride either.

The more i ride other trails the more I like this one."

Nice Ride

By in July, 2004

My wife and I found the Musketawa Trail to be a nice ride. There are places to buy refreshments in the various towns along the way.

"Nice ride, but beware of poor facilities"

By in June, 2004

"The ride was beautiful. The scenery was nice, and the trail was nicely maintained.

I wish I could say the same for the facilities. There is no water available at the Marne trailhead. The single portajohn that was there was overflowing and had no toilet paper. We reported this to a staff person on site who was cutting weeds when we began our trip. When we returned three hours later, the problem had not been corrected, and there was a very distressed family with kids and elderly bikers standing around outside the john trying to figure out what to do in light of the still very bad situation, and with no place else in sight.

Therefore, sadly, I'd only recommend this trail if you plan somehow to deal with this if it happens to you."

Nice ride

By otofreq in August, 2003

"Finding the trail head in Marne was a little tricky because the map given on the Internet left out a few important details. Once there, things went well.

My wife and I are new to biking and this was our second ride. We met a very nice gentleman in the Marne parking area who we invited to ride with us. His company and pleasant conversation made the miles even more enjoyable.

With the exception of a few spots of damaged asphalt, the trail, in my opinion, was a smooth easy ride start to finish. The first 10-12 miles were the most scenic. The remainder of the trail was so-so.

Those who are looking for exercise or training for some bike event will find this trail very adequate. For those who want scenic enjoyment, the trail is hit and miss. All in all, it was a nice ride. "

Very Enjoyable Ride

By in July, 2003

"My wife Susan and I rode the Musketawa Trail on Saturday, July 12, 2003, along with my brother, John, and 14-year-old niece, Carolyn.

It was a perfect day for riding--pleasant temperatures and a mix of clouds & sun. We started at the trail's east end, outside of the town of Marne, and pedaled the length of the trail.

The trail is paved (asphalt) for its entire length, with the exception of boardwalk bridges and one crossing of a dirt road. Given that snowmobiles use the trail in winter, I half-expected the asphalt to be torn up. There were a few rough spots, but overall, I thought the trail was in very good condition. (Much better than the roads & trails I usually ride in and around Lansing, MI.)

The Musketawa runs mostly through farmlands and meadows, and gets into some slightly forested areas as you approach the west end in Muskegon. The topography changes subtly over the course of the ride, as you'll notice more sandy soil and evergreen trees near the west end.

You'll also pass through the small towns of Conklin (about 7 miles from the east trailhead) and Ravenna (about 12 miles from the east end). There are parking areas for trail access in both Conklin & Ravenna as well as at Marne on the east end and Muskegon on the west.

There were plenty of small critters to be seen--rabbits, chipmunks, and songbirds. Vegetation along the trail was mostly trees & shrubs, with few wildflowers. To our great surprise, though, Susan spotted cactus plants (yes, CACTUS!) growing alongside the trail in various places. Yellow cactus flowers were in bloom above the green prickly plants when we did our ride.

You'll travel through some farm areas, too, so you'll also see lots of corn & bean fields and domesticated livestock. (This landscape is a midwestern paradise!)

At the Muskegon end of the trail, there are plenty of places to eat lunch. When you reach the trail's end (just past the Muskegon prison), turn left to the traffic light, then right onto Sherman Rd. Less than a mile away from the trail you'll find restaurants (Ruby Tuesday's, Applebee's, Fazolli's) and fast food places (McDonald's, Arby's, Wendy's). We chose Ruby Tuesday's for an excellent lunch, then rode the 25+ miles back to the east end of the trail.

On the return route, we stopped in Conklin for ice cream. Just off the trail is a small party store that normally has self-serve soft-serve ice cream. The day of our ride, however, the equipment was out-of-order and we settled for prepackaged ice cream bars.

The entire ride took us just about 4 hours of riding time (plus the lunch & ice cream stops, and one short rest stop in the town of Ravenna on the return trip)."

November ride

By in November, 2001

"November 3, 01 was the first time on this trail and will not be the last. It is about an hours drive from Kalamazoo but well worth the trip. I can say it will be a regular ride in the 2002 season."

Best Paved Trail

By in July, 2001

"This was the first bike trail that we have rode on.We got new Mtn Bikes and wanted to find a safe ride away from the city traffic.It was early June,cool and rain in the forecast.We arrived at the large parking lot at E.Broadway (1 of 4 lots along the trail) and prepared for the days ride.We packed rain gear in our backpacks,helmets on (safety first) and on our way.The trail begins a few twisty turns then starts a long straight downgrade that gets you up to speed quicky.The views of farmland, creeks and rivers are a welcome site.We saw Quail and Turkey crossing our path ahead,not another rider in site.The rain held off all day,but the wind kicked up later,making the trek back a little more difficult.The wood bridges with overlook platforms are a great place for resting and taking in nature.The parking lots along the route have Portajohns (restroom) and some picknic tables in the shade,near Blackmer road in Ravenna.It also had bike racks to park in.We rode to Conklin and found a party store, a stones throw away from the trail,that had self-serve soft icecream. We refilled our waterbottles with sportsdrinks and returned to the course.We headed back to homebase at this point and did not continue the remaining 7 miles to Garfield,having a severe case of saddle fatique (ouch!).We found the complete trail paved with the exception of some large rocks thrown in our path by some dirt bikers riding the trailside.The Trail is marked as off limits to all motor vehicles,but some seem to be ignoring the law.On our way back we were dodging golfball size rocks in our path of smooth blacktop.The Motorcycle rider was found later brokedown and pushing his bike home on the trail as we past.I should have got his plate number and reported it.Hope this note gets some attention that if I catch him again I'll make sure he will be sweeping the entire 26 mile Musketawa Trail with a broom.Sorry,but it made me mad.Alot of time and energy went into this trail for us all to enjoy and I will return to ride again.I believe we need more of these trails and hope you will enjoy them as much as we did. Hope you found my info useful.Thanks,Dan "

Nice Pavement

By in April, 2001

I have ridden my bike and In-Line Skated this trail and it has a very smooth surface. There are sections thru light woods but a lot of it is open fields but still very nice.

Trail Condition

By in January, 2001

I have been on the trail biking and Snowmobiling. I was very disappointed with the condition of the trail for snowmobilers. The area is so beautiful to travel thru but the condition of the trail was awful. I have never road on such a rough trail. I would enjoy it more if it was groomed more often. I am not out to ride for the speed I enjoy a nice ride thru the countryside.

Trail ride 28 Oct 2000

By prototypecycle in November, 2000

Trail is completely paved from end to end. Very nice surface. Great parking lots w/porta-potties at each one. Limited places along the route to get water and/or food. This should improve as the trail matures. Good view of prison at Muskegon end - be sure to wave as you go by.