Find the top rated running trails in Ionia, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We enjoyed this ride, all 45 miles, from Creekside Park in Lowell to Greenville and back. The surface wasn't nice asphalt, but kinda rough. Some areas were worn smoothish from use - so not terrible. But we will were able to keep a good pace. The bathrooms in Belding were locked on the Saturday morning of Memorial weekend, but there was a lovely porta potty we could use. What's the point of bathrooms if we can't use them? (Side note, the bathrooms at Creekside Park in Lowell were unlocked and very nice. The sign on the bathrooms said they opened at 10 am, but we were there earlier than that and they were open. Thanks, Lowell.)
We saw several turtles, including a few snappers that appeared to be laying eggs on the edge of the path, but we didn't too close to verify that because we like to keep our fingers. Also saw some deer, a quail, birds, and a bunny.
Beware, southbound once you get around Smyrna there is a long uphill section. Not steep because trains are wimpier than I am, but it was a long section.
I've been running a couple different out and back stretches between McPherson Ave and Greenville about three times a week from spring to fall for about 4 years now.
I can see how the surface might not be good for skinny wheel bikes in areas, but for runners. the surface is pretty great. Not only is it a softer impact surface than asphalt, even better, no crown in the path is needed to shed water. No crown means a perfect flat surface across the path. I can run on the sides, out of biker's way, and not have one leg travelling farther than the other to make up for the drop in the crown, screwing up my hips and back.
Sounds amazing underfoot, too.
Not to mention the nature and surroundings.
I ran by a fawn sleeping right in the middle of the path a couple days ago. Eagles, Sand Hill Cranes, Fox, all kinds of water birds. It's amazing.
Please never pave this path. Touch it up here and there, but no asphalt.
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!!
I decided to take my road bike for a trip from Cadillac down to Big Rapids where the trail is closed for paving and back to Cadillac. I agree with Cecelia's review from Sep, 23 in that the asphalt paving is old and bumpy between Reed City and Big Rapids. Also the trail was closed between Hibma Rd south to Cleveland Rd in Tustin. The detour is gravel roads that are loose sand and very difficult to navigate with 32mm or thinner tires!
With the exception of the portion of trail north of Reed City that runs along Hwy 131 the the scenery is awesome running through rivers, hills, valleys, farms and small towns.
I am wondering if there's anyone assigned to blow the trail clean from leaves, twigs and branches? There were quite a bit of that along the way. In comparison to the Macomb/Orchard trail for example which is very well maintained all year round it seemed a bit unkempt.
Overall it is an awesome trail that I hope is better maintained than what I experienced on my recent trip and look forward to returning next year when the whole trail will be paved.
We rode today from Ionia to Pewoma. The trail was cleared from the trees that were down in August. It was a beautiful ride with the leaves starting to fall. About 22 miles out and back!
Do you know how much I love the white pine trail? So much! Particularly, between Cadillac and Reed City. Such beautiful woods, marshes, streams, farms, wide open spaces, snakes, turtles, frogs, birds, eagles, hawks, cows, horses, pileated woodpeckers, indigo buntings, and so many other friends. I am a cyclist, runner, and hiker. I've had some of my best runs, hikes, and bike rides on this trail. Chi miigwech ~ thank you!
Also, horses are not allowed but I have seen horse poop between Tustin and LeRoy. I supposed the Amish community use the trail but they can also use the roads. I hope this gets better enforced. As the signs note along the trail equestrian, snowmobile, and motorized vehicles are prohibited. You may see a DNR vehicle from time to time.
I agree with drwelldog's review from July 2022. The WPT from Cadillac to Reed City is heaven on earth! However, from Reed City to Big Rapids it is paved but bumpy, worn, rough, and there are some potholes. I usually ride between 13-15 mph so I had to slow down to not hit bump after bump. I know a section south is being paved but looks like this section could use an update. The bushes also need to be trimmed back so you can better see through the foliage. We want the woods to be as they are but also safety is key, especially for solo riders.
We road today from Ionia to Saranac. What a beautiful ride. The trail was in great condition with the leaves just starting to fall. We parked in Ionia by the trailhead which worked out perfect. It was about a twenty mile ride there and back.
Originally saw how nice the trail was in Lowell, decided to ride to Belding and back. After first few miles of beautiful trails it quickly became quite rough, actually very rough. We made it round trip but will definitely not be back. It’s unfortunate it’s not being maintained. We live closer to and have ridden the Kal Haven Trail which is a lot nicer. Also surprised there are no restrooms anywhere on the trail.
This trail is closed from Howard City to Big Rapids Michigan. According to the local people it will take until November of this year to finish paving. It is a 21 mile stretch of the trail. We had to turn around.
Two huge trees are down across path approximately 0.4 miles from Smith Road in Owosso, Mi. No obvious way around them.
Started at Greenville West/Washington intersection—rode about 8 miles and then came back. Enjoyed the path, the trees, the wildflowers, and a couple of farms—but not so much stopping for so many road crossings.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!