Explore the best rated trails in Elk Rapids, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Boyne Valley Trailway and Buffalo Ridge Trail . With more than 18 trails covering 423 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.
Mostly excellent trail surface for a road bike - smooth, few bumps; slightly less smooth at the very start from depot in Reed City and then when entering Cadillac city (older paving surface). Plenty of shade, a few stretches out ‘in the open’, but mostly very pleasant. We had a great ride.
Chicagoland biker here who has done many trails in the Midwest (Paul Bunyan in Minnesota, I&M/Hennipan across Illinois, etc). This is a good trail, maybe even a great one. I just completed the entire 92.6 mile route. Couple things-- the trail is AMAZING if you like shade. And for the most part, it's relatively smooth (surface is more coarse/bumpy from Big Rapids north to Reed City). For that reason, a hybrid tire or thicker is probably your best bet. Could be a challenge for road bike enthusiasts. That said, a road bike would be amazing from Cadillac to Reed City, then Big Rapids to Grand Rapids. Also...reminder that you gain elevation going south to north. A better ride, especially if you catch a good northern wind at your back, would be going Cadillac to Grand Rapids. Still, a great experience!
7/22/25 Rode trail north from Alanson to Mackinac City today. The conditions were GREAT! We did see some remnants of damage the ice storm, but the trail was clear and leveled. The ride was very enjoyable and scenic!
10/10 for getting back to nature. 1/10 for road surface. The roads in Michigan are horrible, so I'm not sure why I thought the paths would be better.
We went camping in Benzonia along the River. Road our bikes and got on the trail in Beulah. We headed West towards Frankfort. The ride past Crystal Lake was beautiful. We stopped on our way back to cool off in the water. There is public access near when you cross 115.
Rode this trail for the first time and loved it! Didn’t love all the crossings or that there were no warning blinkers to activate at busier crossings. BUT, the scenery and trail conditions were great. Visited The Hive Cafe and had a superb iced coffee. Then stopped at Shady Lane winery for a sampler flight of wines. All in all, an awesome afternoon!
Boy, was I disappointed! Worst rails trails I have ever been on. No upkeep whatsoever, June 7th, 2025.
I'm writing this review because I want other to really know the condition of this trail. (The DNR opened this trail recently after the major ice storm they had) We started in Mackinaw city about a mile or so is paved then the horrible conditions start, the Crush stone was heavy and made riding very hard some area at least 3 inches deep and my husband and I almost wiped out on a few them, every road crossing the crush stone was very deep and very loose the tree limbs and the pine needles all over the trail made it a very miserable ride, it got better in Alanson to Petoskey for 7.7 miles was paved. They really need to do something about that crush stone, the whole trail it was the loose. I took many pictures I will try and submit them here as well
Cadillac to Leroy nice, flat and pavement is very good. Very few bumps. About a mile south of Leroy it gets closer to highway in going to Reed City. Not bad but not as quiet and nature filled. Trail mostly shaded. Loved it.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
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