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

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.

" 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."