Explore the best rated trails in Ionia, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and Fred Meijer Standale Trail . With more than 35 trails covering 632 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.
We rode today from Ionia to Pewoma. The trail was cleared from the trees that were down in August. It was a beautiful ride with the leaves starting to fall. About 22 miles out and back!
We road today from Ionia to Saranac. What a beautiful ride. The trail was in great condition with the leaves just starting to fall. We parked in Ionia by the trailhead which worked out perfect. It was about a twenty mile ride there and back.
Originally saw how nice the trail was in Lowell, decided to ride to Belding and back. After first few miles of beautiful trails it quickly became quite rough, actually very rough. We made it round trip but will definitely not be back. It’s unfortunate it’s not being maintained. We live closer to and have ridden the Kal Haven Trail which is a lot nicer. Also surprised there are no restrooms anywhere on the trail.
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.
Two huge trees are down across path approximately 0.4 miles from Smith Road in Owosso, Mi. No obvious way around them.
Started at Greenville West/Washington intersection—rode about 8 miles and then came back. Enjoyed the path, the trees, the wildflowers, and a couple of farms—but not so much stopping for so many road crossings.
From building to Greenville is a good 5 miles of extremely rough asphalt, almost crushed gravel, and it about shook my innards out
The trails are nice, shady, fun ride. Clean. DO NOT like riding 76th street at all.
If I had a road bike I probably would give this 3 stars at best because it's a little rough in places. It was fine on my gravel bike. However, it was beautiful and quite shady on a 90 degree day. We stopped at the Conklin Bar which I would give 5 stars :-). Our return to the Fruit Ridge trail head for the Fred Meijer connector was 10 miles. We had a great time and will do it again.
Yes, the surface is old, cracked, and heaved. On a super light and stiff road bike trying to go fast, it would be awful. However, on my touring bike with its 1.5-inch tires and sprung Brooks saddle, while riding at a tourist's pace the surface didn't bother me (you do need to pay attention in spots). What makes this trail great is the ambiance and wildlife. There is an abundance of mature forests, deep cuts through hills, and wildlife. There are spots on this trail that you'll just want to stop and take in the beauty. I saw dozens of rabbits, squirrels, and suicidal chipmunks along with several deer. The rabbits especially showed little fear and many watched me ride by as they waited on the side of the trail. A groundhog (one of several I saw) even charged across as I was going by and collided with me breaking my front fender! If you've been put off from riding this trail because you heard it was in bad shape I suggest you reconsider.
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