By krapfrnn on August 18, 2008
We agree on the signage issue. It is very difficult to find the western trailhead even with the directions provided. There is no marked parking for the trail, nor any sign to tell you where it begins. There are several private businesses with parking lots. Right on Dickman Rd and N. Brady Rd. there is a sign announcing the trail, but the only information on it is about Fort Custer. There are no trail maps on the signs and no paper maps or brochures anywhere we could find.
Since it was Sunday, we parked in one of the business lots and started on what we thought was the trail since it had signs that said "No Motor Vehicles". It turned out to be the trail, but when we came to a bridge, the trail forked with no sign indicating which fork led where. One went under the bridge, and it was obviously newer asphalt so we went that way thinking it was a new way to safely get past the bridge. The trail followed Helmer Rd. which is busy, noisy and ugly with businesses and light industry until it came to a dead end at Dickman Rd. near the airport.
We followed it back to the bridge and tried the other way which led to the north side of the river and the trail to downtown Battle Creek. Sadly, we didn't have time to follow this all the way.
The trail is bumpy despite being paved, so on some of the long down hills, it isn't safe to let gravity take you up to high speed. It is a pretty trail along the river.
A recent storm had felled a number of trees which had been cut and moved off the trail, so there is some maintenance going on.
We agree with the reviewer who said to print and bring the trail map.
By PETER on August 22, 2005
"I made the short commute from Kalamazoo over to Battle Creek to ride this trail. I had quiet a time finding the western trailhead. I ended up parking where the trail crosses hemler road. The river is beautiful to ride next to. All 22 miles of the trail were very well maintained and clean. The trail proper is extremely hard to following downtown BC, so remember that your on the River trail, thus follow the river. I rode on the river trail from west to east for 22 miles ending at the minor league baseball stadium. Id suggest parking at the McDonalds by the stadium. From here you can take the trail i rode on or take another one that meanders through more residential areas. Downtown is a good half way point and offers good eating places as well as a bike shop. All and all it was a very nice linear trail. I'd give it an 8 out of 10."
By Rick Wagner on August 21, 2004
"Print the pdf map of the trail from the trail's website and have it with you or you will be lost, as trail is very poorly signed. Great scenery along rivers. We rode 22 miles encompassing the whole city. Paved, but rough in spots. Drinking water hard to find,not noted on map. Very large bike shop downtown between two tallest building helped us out with vital repair. Great Zoo also just south of Battle Creek. "