Find the top rated trails in Big Rapids, whether you're looking for an easy short trail or a long trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
There is no longer a gap in the trail between Farwell and Clare so we decided to take a quick ride to check it out! We started at the Clare Depot at W 4th Street and Beech St. The path begins by weaving behind the railroad yard and several small industrial buildings and then follows the road for a mile or so before it becomes quiet and tree lined. It is only 5 miles to the park in downtown Farwell. The return trip to Clare went very quickly because heading east the grade is slightly downhill. We explored the Clare Depot when we got back. Great gift shop with very informative helpful staff!
We tried to access the trail at the Marne trail head and parking lot. The parking lot was full of construction equipment and material and there is a sign that said the Trail is closed until further notice.
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.
Boy, was I disappointed! Worst rails trails I have ever been on. No upkeep whatsoever, June 7th, 2025.
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.
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.
I found this trail to be a bit of a mixed bag, as it's *very* hilly and was hard to complete but the entire trail is shaded all throughout, and you can cruise downhill for parts of it.
Scenery is beautiful, as you are taken through wooded areas, marshes and neighborhoods.
Pavement is mostly smooth but with some rough bumps here and there.
Too bumpy between GR and Belmont for a road bike. Not enjoyable. North of Belmont is great!
First I could not find where the trail started at south end. The trail was not marked very well. Some of it had a gorgeous view. Most of it factory or homes.
Rode 7.5 miles north from montague fishing park then back. Only a few curves. Great smooth pavement. Not very busy.
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