Find the top rated birding trails in Big Rapids, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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
It's a nice round trip with good scenery in the southern segment, though linking up with the northern portion is bit annoying, and the pavement in the northern area can be *very* rough.
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.
Just a gorgeous trail. Super smooth and wide. Canopy of trees in many sections. Goes through several great little towns. Country Dairy in New Era has great ice cream and chocolate milk. Shelby has a newer huge park. Bathrooms in almost every town. I'm from Wisconsin and would return to this trail.
We parked at the former train station, looks to be kept up and refurbished, located on 2nd Street in Vestaburg. Biked to Alma for lunch and back. 13 miles one way. This part of the trail is in very good condition, well maintained and even a section recently sealcoated. Downhill glide from Vestaburg to Alma for steady gradual uphill climb back to Vestaburg. Trail passes through a few small old railroad towns. We also found this section to be very heavily wooded offering plenty of shade. Passes by open farmlands as well. We would definitely put this on our ride again list!
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.
I do not know why people are complaining about this trail. The trail from Stanwood south is brand new smooth as silk!!! It is beautiful the little town of Morey is cute with gas stations and a resturant.
Rode from Greenville to 3 miles east of Edmore. Constant bumps from roots and separation in the pavement. Don't know how the other reviewers called it smooth. Scenery was wonderful.
Per the trails website, the 12 mile section through Ottawa County will be closed all of 2025 for reconstruction. The remainder of the trail should be open, refer to Musketawa Trail website / Facebook page for current information.
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