Explore the best rated trails in Applegate, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Vassar Rail Trail and Linear Park Pathway . With more than 12 trails covering 175 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
After living in Northern & West Michigan for 15 years, this trail is good but not excellent. If you have ever had the chance to cycle on the White Pine Trail, Leelanau Trail, or others that are more northern/rural, the MOT will suffice for a semi-rural feel. From Romeo to Richmond, you will cycle past farms, small woods, creeks, and the North Branch Clinton River. I ran my bird app and came across some rare birds for the end of April. Migration is done done for spring so I am sure there would be some awesome birds to listen to and observe. I don't think this is trail for a 50+ mile ride. I would say out and back 25-30 miles maximum. I didn't cycle in the suburban sprawl portion. The surface is relatively good and there are a few potholes. The road crossings are typical for the population and as you get more rural, the traffic is less but still be very cautious. People drive so fast in southern Michigan even in semi-rural areas. Overall, great ride, but I would prefer to do longer rides of 30-70 miles in a truly rural setting where my cadence isn't broken by so many road crossings and bad drivers. Try it to see for yourself! Enjoy the ride!
While my daughter was riding her horse across a bridge on 3/21/25 (from Millington to otter lake) the horse's leg went thru one of the boards on the bridge. It appeared that the boards had recently been replaced as there were pieces of cut boards in the creek bed below. Just wanted to let someone know before someone else falls thru and they or their horse gets injured. I'm sorry I don't know which bridge specifically, but like I said it was located between Millington and otter lake. Wasn't sure how else to contact anyone to report it (feel free to delete after whomever needa to know is told)
I used to ride this trail back in 1996 and have returned to cycling at 70! On my new cf Trek FX4 this is a great ride. Next time, I’ll spend some time in Lake Orion and maybe get lunch at one of the bar/restaurants in Rochester!
This is my favorite trail ever to ride! We drive to downtown Rochester and get on it by the park. A little crowded to start - bikers and walkers share - but then thins out the further you ride. It is a slight uphill in this direction to Lake Orion but then all downhill when you turn around. There is a cider mill you can stop at, little free libraries (2), and multiple benches you can rest on if needed. Surface is crushed stone and well kept up. This trail is a must ride!
So far this is my favorite trail, 21 miles round trip and super nice trail
I live in Lake Orion and ride this trail often. It is well maintained and very scenic.It does get a little crowded on the weekend. La pumas is a get stop to power for the ride back to Lake Orion.
I ride the trail often. I live in Lake Orion and ride it through Leonard to the Oakland Lapeer County line. It is well maintained and is very scenic. I will see lots of wildlife.
Very scenic paved trail. Well maintained
This is a beautiful trail. I guess my only complaint would be that it’s a little bit boring. if you go from Romeo to Richmond, it’s pretty much wide-open with very few crossings and not many people. Many great places to stop along the way, including apple orchards, restaurants, rest areas, etc. One of my favorite trails!
Easy to follow, clean, convenient parking, great photo opportunities at the bridge.
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