Description
Ionia Recreation Area has rolling hills, open meadows, forested ridges, a deep lake nestled in the hills and a river winding through woods and fields.
In terms of mountain biking, the trail consists of 3 loops: 2 green loops, and a brown loop. The brown loop is the smallest, at 2.8 miles, The green loop is really one big loop split into a 3.6 mile loop, and a 5.8 mile loop. This trail is intermediate but it is pretty technical and throws a lot of stuff at you like dips, hills, logs, sand, and tight turns. It goes through woods and is pretty rural with streams and railroad tracks. It is very scenic and very cool, and is very well keep up. It is a beautiful trail and is highly recommended.
These trails are maintained in part by volunteers of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA).
Parking and Trail Access
How to get there from Grand Rapids or Lansing: Between Grand Rapids and Lansing is where Ionia is located. Take I-96 then use exit 64 and go north on Jordan Lake Road. The park entrance is about 3 miles away. Maps of the area may be obtained at the park office.
Bit Off More than I Could "Chew"
By
20fan
in
July, 2008
i was way over ambitious, i got a mile into the trail and my bike seat broke (guess my feet slipped off the pedals a few too many times) the trail looks awesome, i wish i have a REAL mtn bike for it, probably would have been sweet, but lots and LOTS of ...
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Not for 50? I disagree!
By
in
December, 2004
"Hey, I'm still riding it at 51, and this trail is no problem for me!"
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Not for riders over 50
By
in
June, 2004
"My husband and I have been trying out a lot of different bike trails in Michigan. We were quite disappointed in the Ionia Recreation Area trail. The reason is not that it is a bad trail, it was just too difficult for us. We are used to riding the rail-trails.
This ...
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