Explore the best rated trails in Houghton Lake, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Iosco Exploration Trail and Betsie Valley Trail . With more than 13 trails covering 454 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'm planning on doing this trail as part of a longer trek. My bike has 700x35 tires. Would anyone care to share if this would be doable or should I go with more of a mountain bike tire?
I rode the entire trail from Clare to Midland. The Hall of Fame Rail Trail lived up to its billing! The 12-foot-wide asphalt trail was well maintained and there was excellent signage. Although there was little to no shade from the midday sun, there were fully functional rest stops in the city of Coleman and the village of Sanford with restrooms and water fountains. The solar system sculptures starting with the sun in the city of Coleman and ending with Pluto in the community of North Bradley was an unexpected treat. The village of Sanford had an interesting historic village. The Tridge, a three-legged wooden footbridge, in the city of Midland was the ultimate climax to the end of the trail. The city of Midland had a cute downtown and there were lots of restaurants.
I started at Meijer on the east side. Trail in places is beautiful with grasses and woods but in others it crosses a lot of roads and in others it follows along the side of a road. The trail could use more markings in places you could get lost or off course. All in all I give it a 3 star rating.
We have now rode nearly every section of the trail several times and highly recommend it. My favorite parts are from Ashton to Cadillac and from Cedar Rapids to Grand Rapids.
We live nearby in Idlewild and have rode nearly every section of this trail except from Chase to Reed City. We enjoyed most all of it except from Reed City to Evart. The path is very bumpy and the scenery is not great.
Today we rode from the trailhead/parking lot at Frankfort east to Beulah. The paved portion rode through pretty countryside, and the fall colors were very nice. The gravel section leading into downtown Beulah was not as much fun. It felt a little awkward rolling through people’s front yards. But a lovely afternoon on the bike! Almost no elevation change, and pavement in very good shape.
I applaud the State of Michigan for making this trail system possible. This truly is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast in many capacities. Friends from Dayton (OH) and Kalamazoo recently convened in Cadillac to cycle the entire 92-mile route, and must confess that we had an absolute blast! This is an incredible trail network that has the capacity to enhance tourism and economic growth along with supporting wellness and fitness, and reinforce the State’s natural beauty and outdoor appeal. Michigan - You rock! Thank you! Gary Victor Kettering, OH
Just finishing up the entire trail this week and impressed. The only rough spots are coming north out of Grand Rapids to just north of Rockford it can be congested and bumpy from cracks and root heaves. From Big Rapids to Reed City is can be the same as well without the congestion. The entire trail is paved and is smooth and enjoyable to ride.
We parked in Evart and biked West to Reed City for lunch. And back. Very nice trailhead in Evart, former train station looks to be recently repainted. Real restrooms but only open when City Hall is open. The asphalt pavement between Evart and Reed City is in very poor condition. Wide cracks the entire width of the trail. Not much by the way of shade as the trail goes through miles of sand/dirt quarries. The trees/scenery along the trail was pretty. Would not ride this section again unless it was all dug up and repaved. Will check in a few years to see.
We parked in Reed City at the Depot where White Pine intersects with Pere Marquette State Trail. Plenty of parking at the depot which is located behind Yoplait. Restrooms and picnic area as well as benches. Eateries in Reed City. The 12-13 mile section between Reed City and LeRoy was built in 2018, paved, and still in very good condition for 8 years old. It's a steady and gradual uphill climb on this stretch. Most of it is not shaded and the first about 6 miles follows US Hwy 131 and can be noisy. It's a great section but you have to stop and think: steady climb, not much shade, along a 4 lane highway! Once passed the interstate section it becomes more peaceful and quiet and even some sections of wooded areas. At one point it looks like a tunnel of trees but it's not for long. The high point of the trail is just before the short underpass tunnel then it's coasting the next few miles or so into LeRoy. Not much in LeRoy but did find a small grocery store and dollar store so we got some cold drinks at the grocery. Once in LeRoy it's 12 miles to Cadillac. We rode that section a few years ago. On the return trip, LeRoy back to Reed City, once you go uphill South about a mile, the remaining 12ish miles is all downhill and you can practically coast the entire return trip. Interesting old airport along the trail Nartron Field built in the 1950's. A few bumps and cracks along the trail just outside of Reed City. This is a great trail section would ride it again next time in the area. For September, signs of Fall with leaves changing and dropping already due to the very dry summer.
Accessed the trail in Midland at the Tridge. Trail runs 30 miles in length, nicely paved, from Midland to Clare through several old railroad towns. Quite a few trailheads and parking lots along the way. We biked the trail, each end, over 2 different rides. There is practically zero shade. The trail is very wide, with several feet of grass on each side, then maybe a few trees between the trail and Saginaw Road. Basically the trail follows Saginaw Road which is very noisy. Though a nice ride, it's not peaceful due to road traffic. The trail goes through several nature areas and passed a few parks. There are places to eat in the small towns along the trail. Each mile is marked. The Tridge was a sight to see in Midland. This trail connects with the Chippewa Trail at the Tridge in Midland.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
