Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Michigan, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I walked, and occasionally ran, the trial northbound over four days. This is easily one of the most beautiful rail trails I've ever traveled and is one of Michigan's real jewels. The trail quickly becomes rural after leaving Grand Rapids, and then just gets steadily better and better scenery wise (this assumes that you love Northwoods). People debate where the Northwoods begin, and you can form your own opinion on your journey north. I'd argue that Big Rapids is the line. And speaking of, don't forget to celebrate 50 miles covered there at the Sawmill, right on the trailside.
The only downside to the trail is the fact that it's paved (excepting a few miles between Howard City and Big Rapids). When walking 25+ miles a day, the surface of the trail becomes a major factor. Crushed limestone is much kinder to the pedestrian body than pavement. Pavement also encourages folks to ride their ebikes at 30mph, unfortunately, making the trail more like a road near the towns. But that drawback aside, I'll certainly be back to do this trail again.
We rode from the Idema Explorers trail on to the Spoonville trail. It was a great experience. We're from Pennsylvania, and this was our first Michigan trail.
Rode the trail on a Thursday afternoon in May 2024. This became an instant favorite. Tunnels take you under any traffic. Following the river, the trail is winding and has a few good hills. Mostly shaded. The trail is not well marked and there are a number of off shoots. We ended up taking most of the side trails and did 23 miles round trip.
We rode this trail from Concord to Jackson. The trail began crossing the Kalamazoo River. The ride was not really that exciting, except as we got to Jackson, there were several sculptures on display and even for sale! The wind from Jackson back to Concord was brutal. All in all, it was a nice ride and the weather was spectacular!
One of my favorite trails to longboard on. The segment by Spring Arbor that perfectly cuts through the lake is especially beautiful in the summer. Some bikers can be going fast so just be mindful of your surroundings, but it's a great trail beginning to end.
Full disclosure, I haven't ridden this yet but plan to this summer. The reason for my review is that from Google Street and satellite view it appears there is a nice new paved path (so you can avoid riding on US 41) from Van Riper SP to Champion. This new trail (which just for fun I think they should name the Van Riper State Park/Greater Metropolitan Champion Intergalactic Intermodal Corridor because when typed out is nearly longer than the new trail itself) ends at Daliba Street which you can then take to where the R/CG trail begins behind the what now appears to be abandoned Mini-mart. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and 4 stars and update post ride. There also appears to be trailhead parking on the north of US 41 just to the west of the Van Riper SP entrance although for bathrooms and water you would have to go to the state park. Happy Trails.
This is a very nice short trail running from the Detroit River out to the Train Station. In early 2024 the West Riverfront Park is under construction so entrance to this trail on the south end by the river is tricky to find, you enter from Jefferson Avenue. Nice to see the Detroit Riverwalk growing in length each year. One of the nicest river fronts in the country.
Wonderful ride! I only rode between Dalton and Ravenna, so perhaps the quality of the trail changes after Ravenna. But today, the trail was near perfect! Sure, there are stop signs every few miles---often crossing lightly travelled roads; and, yeah, there were some cracks or root heaves here and there. But honestly, neither of those issues were even issues. I'm a long-distance cyclist that just moved to Michigan. I can't wait to explore more of these wonderful trails and roads! Thank you!!
just walked this trail earlier today some spots on trail was a muddy mess, it's a gravel trail... Other then that not a bad trail.
We ride this path a lot, and Grand Haven’s bike path is horrible. They did resurface part but need to fix the ENTIRE thing. Holland’s is ok definitely rideable. The scenery is great and to end up at the beach which is beautiful.
Nice paved path from Pettysville Road and M 36 marshaling area through Pinckney. The path turns to fine crushed stone near Anderson and was quite a chore to ride on due to wet, low light areas which had not dried out. Not great in this area for bikes on a leisurely ride. Nice dry, sunny day of 50 degrees. The path will probably not dry out here all winter.
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