Explore the best rated trails in Houghton Lake, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Irons Area Tourist Association Snowmobile Trail and Pere Marquette Rail Trail . With more than 11 trails covering 440 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.
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.
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.
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.
Easy parking and nice clean trail.
We rode from N. Bradley to Midland and return. Lots to see. Midland did a great job being bike friendly. The 14 foot paved trail is great ( there are some cracks that could be filled). Great bathrooms well maintained.
This surprised and delighted us. It’s serene, the nature is stunning, and it’s a birders paradise. Our new favorite spot ¿¿
Generally this is a nice, flat ride. Had lunch at the unique Leah's Corner Cafe. Enjoyable and pleasant ride with decent shade.
Rode from Frankfort to Beulah 19 miles RT. First 6 miles are paved then hard packed gravel. Trail is beside the lake which is beautiful. Easy ride. Several places to eat in both Frankfort & Beulah. Half the ride is in the sun so go early or later in the afternoon during the summer months.
Loved the boardwalk and winding trail through lush vegetation and flowering plants! Birds calling and healthy trees. Seeing the waterway and streams added to the beauty.
I could find neither a recent review, nor anyone who had recently completed this segment, so I decided to bike it myself and report.
This is not paved, and the crushed limestone requires a mountain bike, or fat tires at the least. I used my standard mountain bike and still had considerable fishtailing in areas. Old reviews speak to horse damage; I saw very little evidence of this.
Reed City to Chase is the worst segment, but there is a very nice tavern just south of the trail here that can raise your spirits, and recharge you to keep going west. From Chase the trail is wider, more level, and more amenable to higher speeds. The scenery is primarily US-10 to the north, and tertiary conifer forests to the south, with some stretches completely surrounded by forests.
I saw exactly zero fellow riders or walkers on the trail during my entire foray. Next time I do this route, I would be more comfortable with at least one companion rider.
Riverside Park to Belding a little bumpy with debri on trail. Belding to Rockford very bumpy with cracks and root lifts and many dogs and walkers that didn’t respect biker space or passing. Rockford to Sand Lake smooth and few dogs or people so was a great ride!! North of Sand Lake same, could really cruise! Enjoyed distance!
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