Looking for the best trails around Bay City?

Explore the best rated trails in Bay City, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path and Pere Marquette State Trail . With more than 37 trails covering 369 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Thomas Township Trail

A great extension to the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail

September, 2024 by milkshake

Our group of 9 riders rode this trail in addition to the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail. We had a total of 25.7 miles starting in St Charles, MI to the end of the SVRT and then adding on an out and back on the Thomas Twp Trail, which connect easily to the SVRT. The Thomas Twp Trail is a beautiful, meandering trail through a tree farm, past a beautiful school and into neighborhoods in Thomas Township. The trail is in excellent condition and well signed and outstanding trail markers. Kudos to the folks in Thomas Twp who made this happen - we will be back!

Saginaw Valley Rail Trail

Biking Bunch from Linden MI loves this trail

September, 2024 by milkshake

Our group of 9 riders rode the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail today and the connecting Thomas Twp Trail. Both beautiful trails and well maintained. We highly recommend Bad River Bar & Grill in St. Charles, MI for lunch or dinner after your ride. Our service and food were very good and the owner even came over to thank us for coming in for lunch!

The trails have great signage and places for a bathroom break. It is especially beautiful this time of year with the falling leaves.

Pere Marquette State Trail

Hersey to Lake

September, 2024 by cpalady1990

We left out of Evart and headed to Hersey the first day. I think we saw a total of 4 people. The trail winds thru the countryside. We stopped at the abandon railroad bridge. That was cool to see. On the second day we headed the other way towards Lake. Saw a few more people. Riding thru the tunnels was cool. There are 3 of them. Ended up having a drink at Lakeside Bar & Grill before heading back.

Accordion

Pere Marquette Rail Trail

Pere Marquette Rail Trail

September, 2024 by bobcatdtc

This is a good asphalt trail, a little choppy in places but well maintained otherwise. Flat as a pancake and not a lot of cover. The bridges and parks at Midland were very nice.

Pere Marquette State Trail

Pere Marquette State Trail

September, 2024 by bobcatdtc

We rode from Evart to Baldwin. The Asphalt was pretty good up to Reed City. After Reed City the trail was scenic but became increasing difficult to ride. The gravel is loose in most places and not packed down. There was a lot of track imprints from snowmobile treads that made for a bumpy ride. It is remote but you are never far from M-10. We did the 61 mile round trip and it was quite the chore. I would only recommend this trail if you want a stiff workout. We only saw 2 other bikes the whole trip. I would be willing to bet this is more of a winter trail for cross country skis and snowmobiles.

Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail

Nice ride through farmland

September, 2024 by dhalblei

Rode this trail Sept 2024 from St Johns Depot parking lot 18 miles west toward Ionia, stopping soon after the bridge over the Maple River. It was well maintained, firm crushed stone with asphalt passing through towns. Not a problem for my gravel bike with 42 tire. As noted in other reviews, there are a few softer spots that could be a problem for thinner tires. The trail was mostly tree lined, except the section between Fowler and Pewamo is more open farmland with a view of M-21. The road crossings were smooth with almost no traffic. Stopped at the Pewamo Depot restrooms. The restrooms at St Johns Depot were locked.

Fred Meijer Heartland Trail

nice country ride

August, 2024 by couillarjg

Rode from Greenville to McBride. Recently resurfaced. Saw lots of wildlife, including sandhill cranes and a fox. Not very crowded, and brief road portion was easy and well marked. Recommend Holly’s in Stanton for a snack or meal.

Pere Marquette Rail Trail

closed mile3

July, 2024 by simonsays60

Very pretty out of Midland. Then we were surprised to see a barricade and had to get on the highway. Then got back on at about mile six. The road gets bumpy then. You are close to the highway much of the way. We stopped in Coleman and had ice cream and pizza. A place called mamas pizza. We only did 20 miles each way. We were told that it’s pretty much the same scenery of trees and some farmland all the way to Clare.

Southern Links Trailway

favorite trail

July, 2024 by rgragg701

So far this is my favorite trail, 21 miles round trip and super nice trail

Fred Meijer Heartland Trail

A lovely ride from Alma

July, 2024 by dhalblei

July 2024 Rode from Alma to Cedar Lake and back for a total of 34 miles. The trail is tree lined with a total canopy of shade in several places; there are glimpses of farmland along the way and a wetland area near Cedar Lake. The asphalt was smooth and well maintained with only a few bumps. The trail is flat; a fast ride out and even faster on the way back with a nice west tailwind. The road crossings are mostly local county roads (several are gravel) with almost no traffic on a Saturday. All the crossings were a smooth transition from trail to road.

There’s a small parking area at Riverside Park, the actual start of the trail, then a mile or so on sidewalk/neighborhood roads (not well marked) to Alma College. There’s parking at the college in lots marked public access on the weekends (avoid the ones requiring a college permit).

Pere Marquette Rail Trail

The most boring trail I've walked. To close to traffic, nothing interesting to look at.

July, 2024 by sallyetcher

The most boring trail I've walked. To close to traffic, nothing interesting to look at.

Polly Ann Trail

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.

July, 2024 by jimhege522

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.

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