Explore the best rated trails in Sanford, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Pere Marquette State Trail and Chippewa Trail . With more than 20 trails covering 258 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.
On Saturday, May 24th, I was cycling 50 miles on the trail between Elwell and Stanton. I was on an out-and-back trip. On the trip back I saw a golden-tawny animal sitting on the trail. I stopped riding quite a distance away from it, maybe 400-500 feet away. The cougar was sitting on the trail and then leaped into the woods and away from me. I knew it was a cougar when I saw its long tail and sleek movement back into the woods. My gut said to turn around. I was far enough away on my bike to turn around and book it out of there. My goal was to get a 1 1/2 miles away and closer to Edmore where I could have help if needed. So, I decided to go around the area it was located. I took a paved road to a dirt road to loop around the woods it was in. I ended up back on the trail and had a longer ride than expected but was safe. The cougar was seen between Deja and Cedar Lake Road. Through research I've found there have been cougar sightings in Montcalm County over the years. I've reported this to the DNR and emailed the Freinds of the Heartland Trail. Overall, great ride and I was safe. The trail is fairly bumpy and root filled between Elwell and Vestaburg. Smoother sailing between Edmore and Stanton. Loved the tree canopy as it was very low and beautiful in some parts. Also, seeing the landscape change from a flatter Central Michigan to the beautiful rolling hills of Western Michigan was stunning. Road crossings became sandier as there is more sand in West Michigan. I would say this compares to the rural nature of the White Pine Trail that runs between Big Rapids and Cadillac. Road crossings between Elwell and Stanton were a breeze, quite calm, and peaceful. Now for some signage on cougars would that keep riders, walkers, and runners, safer and more aware. Just be aware, be prepared, and have protection such as bear spray, pepper spray, noise makers, etc.
This trial is pretty rough due to all that loose stone, so if you go on a bike, a fat tire one is prob best, or perhaps walk this one?
Pavement is rough and there's nothing to see maybe either walk this one or skip it entirely.
A nice trail whose view is unfortunately dominated by I-75 and power lines.
Nice, straight trail. Plenty of places for parking and amenities in each town. I wish it were paved all the way through, but in general the crushed limestone isn't a huge obstacle between towns. Highly recommend!
Our group of 9 riders rode this trail in addition to the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail. We had a total of 25.7 miles starting in St Charles, MI to the end of the SVRT and then adding on an out and back on the Thomas Twp Trail, which connect easily to the SVRT. The Thomas Twp Trail is a beautiful, meandering trail through a tree farm, past a beautiful school and into neighborhoods in Thomas Township. The trail is in excellent condition and well signed and outstanding trail markers. Kudos to the folks in Thomas Twp who made this happen - we will be back!
Our group of 9 riders rode the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail today and the connecting Thomas Twp Trail. Both beautiful trails and well maintained. We highly recommend Bad River Bar & Grill in St. Charles, MI for lunch or dinner after your ride. Our service and food were very good and the owner even came over to thank us for coming in for lunch!
The trails have great signage and places for a bathroom break. It is especially beautiful this time of year with the falling leaves.
We left out of Evart and headed to Hersey the first day. I think we saw a total of 4 people. The trail winds thru the countryside. We stopped at the abandon railroad bridge. That was cool to see. On the second day we headed the other way towards Lake. Saw a few more people. Riding thru the tunnels was cool. There are 3 of them. Ended up having a drink at Lakeside Bar & Grill before heading back.
This is a good asphalt trail, a little choppy in places but well maintained otherwise. Flat as a pancake and not a lot of cover. The bridges and parks at Midland were very nice.
We rode from Evart to Baldwin. The Asphalt was pretty good up to Reed City. After Reed City the trail was scenic but became increasing difficult to ride. The gravel is loose in most places and not packed down. There was a lot of track imprints from snowmobile treads that made for a bumpy ride. It is remote but you are never far from M-10. We did the 61 mile round trip and it was quite the chore. I would only recommend this trail if you want a stiff workout. We only saw 2 other bikes the whole trip. I would be willing to bet this is more of a winter trail for cross country skis and snowmobiles.
Rode this trail Sept 2024 from St Johns Depot parking lot 18 miles west toward Ionia, stopping soon after the bridge over the Maple River. It was well maintained, firm crushed stone with asphalt passing through towns. Not a problem for my gravel bike with 42 tire. As noted in other reviews, there are a few softer spots that could be a problem for thinner tires. The trail was mostly tree lined, except the section between Fowler and Pewamo is more open farmland with a view of M-21. The road crossings were smooth with almost no traffic. Stopped at the Pewamo Depot restrooms. The restrooms at St Johns Depot were locked.
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