Explore the best rated trails in East Lansing, MI. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail and Fred Meijer Flat River Trail. With more than 47 trails covering 434 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.
Well maintained, beautiful scenery. I enjoyed my walk!
From UM Flint to Bluebell Beach has to be the worst trail in the state. bumpy, cracked, not maintained asphalt though dilapidated areas. In several area you are directed to ride on the road. Poorly marked. DO NOT RIDE ON THIS SECTION!!!!
The section from UM Flint south is much better but confusing and crosses busy streets. If you insist on riding in Flint this is the section to ride.
I ride this trail often and find it is very well used throughout its length. Diverse scenery through wetlands, farms and small towns. The surface varies from smooth asphalt to bumpy asphalt to hard pack gravel, but is no problem with a hybrid bike. Common to share the trail with horseback riders -- please follow the well posted instructions on how to safely approach a horse.
The eastern trailhead easily connects to the trail along US-23 and further on to the Island Lake trail and the trails through the Detroit suburbs. Just be careful navigating the freeway exits at US-23 and M-36. I've ridden as far as Stockbridge and looking forward to the planned extensions farther west.
Very scenic ride and part of the larger Great Lake to Lake trail across Michigan. Many hills that provide a solid workout. Go slow and be cautious of pedestrians and kids near the beaches and picnic areas.
The paved surface has many bumps and could be improved, but not an issue navigating on my hybrid bike tires. I've ridden much worse.
About two-thirds through the park, the dedicated bike trail ends, but easily connects to the park road. There is not much traffic at this end of the park, but use caution when navigating around the hills and curves.
Hard packed gravel trail that is easy to ride and connects Brighton to Island Lake State Park. Easy to miss the east entrance in Island Lake -- be sure to turn before crossing the railroad tracks!
Highly functional trail connecting Island Lake State Park to the Lakelands Trail. Parallels US-23 throughout, so expect noise and not much in the way of scenery. There is a one mile gap at the south end to reach the Lakelands Trail. Fieldcrest Road has minimal traffic and works as a connector, but use extreme caution in this stretch, especially navigating around the highway ramps.
Good hills along this stretch to provide a solid workout.
This trail is a vital connector between Island Lake State Park & Kensington to South Lyon and the Airline Trail in Wixom and beyond. It is part of the growing Lake to Lake Trail across Michigan.
Despite its utilitarian function, it has some nice features in its own right. The trail was resurfaced in 2022 and is a pleasure to ride. The portions between Pontiac Trail and Wixom, and I-96 to South Lyon are scenic and fun to ride. Wildlife is common in these stretches.
Some of the road crossings are busy and dangerous and caution must be taken. These sections would not be advisable for kids. A portion of the trail climbs the former New Hudson landfill, which makes for a great workout and builds those climbing muscles!
I ride this loop trail nearly every week during the warm months. Always plenty to see no matter the season. Wildlife spotting is common throughout, including deer, turkey, cranes, waterfowl and the nesting osprey. Perfect combination of hills and distance to make a good training workout.
Easy connections at both ends to Milford or to Island Lake State Park (part of the Lake to Lake Trail)
The trail was a delight, and we enjoyed it, except for the two trail closings. One was just south of the "Beach," and the second was between Crego Park and the MSU campus. We turned around at the Beach, returned to the car, loaded the bikes again and parked at Potter Park. The spur to Crego Park was lovely, and we rode back to the downtown closing, so we had a ten-mile ride, but we were hoping for more. Two positives: very few stops for intersections and the river is in sight for most of it.
Good trail. As previous commenter mentioned, it's noisy due to US-23 traffic immediately adjacent. In good condition for cycling. There is also parking at the southern trailhead in a Park & Ride lot on Fieldcrest just north of Silver Lake Road. You'll need to cross Fieldcrest twice at the outset northbound. The gravel trail connecting to Island Lake mentioned is now listed.
The first 12 miles heading north out of Greenville was so bumpy and cracked I was wishing I had my gravel bike vs. my road bike. It smoothed out after that and the trail was fast and relatively nice.
Watch the road crossings. Eventhough they look quiet I found that quite a few of them had traffic.
Overall a pretty nice trail.
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