Watersmeet to Land O'Lakes Trail

The Watersmeet to Land O'Lakes Trail follows a former railroad corridor between the towns of Watersmeet, in the north, and Land O'Lakes, in the south. The trail is used by snowmobiles and ATVs, as well as mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers. In Land O'Lakes, pick up the trail by the library; in Watersmeet, pick up the trail by the Ottawa Visitor Center. The Watersmeet end intersects with Michigan's State Line Trail.

The remote route passes through forests, boggy lowlands, clearcuts and open space, traveling across streams and passing by ponds that provide good wildlife habitat. Look for beaver, mink, muskrat and a host of passerine and shorebird species.

Parking and Trail Access

You'll find the Watersmeet trailhead about 100 yards east of the visitor center parking lot on US 2 at US 45. The Land O'Lakes trailhead is at the library (Pine Street at County Hwy. B).

Great trail

September 2023 carolyn53562

We thought the trail was in great shape. We rode it in September of 2023 on gravel bikes. It was leaf covered which had us worried after the other reviews, but we did not encounter any ruts or washouts. There were a few short segments that were also ATV trails, but they were in great shape and not rutted. I would not ride a road bike on this trail, but it is great for any bike with wider tires—I think we have 34s on our gravel bikes. I submitted two pictures and accidentally said they were from October 2023 when they were really from late September 2023. We are camping and I haven’t been thinking about dates!

Too Rough, Even For All-Terrain Vehicles

June 2023 rgoff_tl

I’ve traveled the route on a number of occasions between Land O’ Lakes and Watersmeet. This has to be one of the most torturous routes I’ve ever been on. Terribly washboarded, and apparently seldom maintained. Come on MI!

Depends on use

October 2021 mlapoint

Riding a bike can be tough because the ATVs leave ruts which are hard to ride thru. Hiking, though, is nice. Different types of topography make it a very pleasant walk.

Rough Riders Wanted!

August 2020 tahess55

This is an ATV trail that “ doubles” as a bike trail. If you are a glutton for punishment, this is the trail for you. Ruts, loose sand, gravel, rocks, potholes. This trail has them all! We only went a short way, and decided cowardice was better than valor. Such a shame, because I am guessing it would be great scenery. Found a much better trail to ride further down Highway B.

Michigan

4 Reviews