Find the top rated hiking trails in Big Rapids, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Had a lovely overnight trip on this trail-something we had wanted to do since getting new bikes. Started at Midland trailhead-parked the car behind the courthouse. Pleasant ride to Clare-lots of side attractions to explore, several small towns to grab a bite to eat and no lack of bathroom facilities ! Rode to Clare to spend the night . Main Street is only one block from trail’s end. Doherty Hotel has a special hike/bike package that offered free breakfast, munchies/drinks for the trail and dining credits.I did not want to leave my bike outside and management was kind to lock it in storage area in hotel. Lots of cute shops, bars to explore as well as the famous “ Cops and Doughnuts “ bakery!
The 60 mile round trip was just the right length for a first time weekend trip. Trail was flat, well maintained . We loved it!
Pathway trail is located in an through Whitehall MI. On the North end, the trail connects to the Hart-Montague trail at the White Lake Chamber of Commerce and on the South end it connects with the Fred Meijer Berry Junction trail. The connections are seamless.
This pathway trail is approx 3 miles in length and travels through residential areas, business areas and a wooded forest. There is also a lovely flower garden along the trail. The trail is well marked with map signs along the route.
The wooded area of the trail is through the Alcoa Howmet Woodland Gardens.
Parking is available at the Hart Montague end of the trail and at the Whitehall public library.
Be sure to stop and see the World's Largest Weathervane on the North end of the trail in Montague, located 1/2 mile from the trail. There are places to eat and shop along the trail in Whitehall.
If you have time, drive out to the White River Historic Light Station.
Can't figure how this one would be 14 miles, but here goes.
Parked at mile 3, near Lake Express car ferry. At mile 2, there is a very large parking lot. The first mile must be on the streets and goes to Pere Marquette Park. Lakeside trail seemed to end just after mile 7 at Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve in North Muskegon.
The trail did follow along Lake Muskegon. It passed Heritage Landing, the city of Muskegon, some industrial sites, and Hartshorn Marina. Did see the on-street connection to the Musketawa Trail. Did not see any sand dunes, they must be near the beginning near Pere Marquette Park.
Once in North Muskegon, you can take road to pick up the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail.
Downtown Muskegon is very biker friendly with numerous bike racks, shops and places to eat.
Parking is at mile 0, mile 2 Hartshorn Marina and there may be some other places along the trail.
Very flat asphalt paved with numerous numbered wooded boardwalks. A nice trail to get around Muskegon on. Trail follows Lakeshore Drive and Shoreline drive.
Biked the trail today from Reed City to Leroy and back.
New asphalt and smooth!!
Would be perfect...except for the half mile south of Sylvan Rd.
They did not improve that section and it is loose gravel.
If riding with road tires...it's treacherous. If it was packed in, it would be easier to ride through.
Parked behind the Wendy’s just past fifth third ball park, rode to downtown Rockford! Gradual uphill most of the way, so it was hard on this very humid day!! Little town of Rockford is nice and lots of little shops and places to eat. The dam and the rogue river are right on the trail. We had a round trip of 17 miles, next time we will start in Rockford and go to cedar springs
Smooooooth! Rode this trail for the first time started in Rothbury and headed south picked up the connecting White Lake Trail then to the berry junction trail. It was a great 40 miles. Per the description of the trail I was planning to buy ice cream in new era but I just lost steam thank goodness because if I tried to go the extra 2 miles to get to the ice cream I would’ve found the store closed on a Sunday boo
The trail starting from Foreman Street in Lowell is still a rocky rough ride. The rails are gone, but that's about as far as it has progressed.
Starting from M-10 intersection north for about 3 miles, the trail has been paved with asphalt. As of yesterday (8/5/2018) it is still closed, but it's certainly ride-able, so I would think it will be open soon.
The section between Reed City and Baldwin has been ruined by horse traffic. I have 32c tires on my hybrid bike and was hoping to ride that section yesterday, but turned around almost immediately due to the rough condition. If you have a mountain bike, it might be doable, but I don't imagine it would be very pleasant.
Also, be forewarned that there are no restrooms on the trail itself on the Clare to Reed City segment. There are a few options in town of Evart.
Overall, the Farwell to Baldwin section is decent. The older section between Evart and Reed City is starting to show it's age with cracks the have gone unsealed so have vegetation growing from them.
The Midland to Clare section is very well maintained and offers two permanent bathroom facilities, one each at about 12 miles from each trailhead.
As part of my Seattle to Savannah cross-country ride I used these rails-to-trail paths to get from Baldwin to Midland. The first 17 miles from Baldwin to Reed City is crushed limestone. I rode about 100 yards of the trail in Baldwin and decided that this crushed limestone was too loose to ride. I jumped on Route 10 and found a reasonable shoulder to ride. I checked the trail about 10 miles from Baldwin, the stone was more packed and could support a ride, but Route 10 was still considered the best ride option.
Just to the east of Reed City on Route 10 signage appeared for the Pere Marquette State Trail. I jumped on the trail here and rode to the old Reed City Depot Station. The trail was a bit rough with grass growing in open seams. The same was true for about 8 miles east of Reed City. The trail was still a pretty good ride. The rest of the trail to Midland was mostly smooth with only small sections with rough seams.
Since the trail runs close to Route 10, there were options to dart into small towns for water and food.
Just east of Clare the State Trail ends. I was required to ride about 4 miles on the highway and through Clare to rejoin the trail system. I used Google Maps for Bikes to find my way.
Thank you Michigan for such a nice ride.
We rode from Alma to Greenville. It took about 7 hours going on average 11-12 mph and stopping a few times. The trail was in great condition and very quiet. A few low hanging branches that added to the fun. In Greenville we stayed the night at The Winter Inn which was very interesting, different and nostalgic. The rooms were very clean and the beds were comfortable. We also had drinks and dinner there. There’s s beautiful outdoor patio which unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy because of the rain. The Winter Inn is a short,easy, safe distance from the trail. The next morning we started our ride home by doing the heartland River Trsil that goes around Baldwin Lake. I would highly recommend that.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
