Find the top rated running trails in Central Lake, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Today we rode from the trailhead/parking lot at Frankfort east to Beulah. The paved portion rode through pretty countryside, and the fall colors were very nice. The gravel section leading into downtown Beulah was not as much fun. It felt a little awkward rolling through people’s front yards. But a lovely afternoon on the bike! Almost no elevation change, and pavement in very good shape.
Though the posted speed limit is 10 mph at each end, the remainder of the trail is 15 mph. Having experienced first hand last month, out there on a manual pedal bike, we were passed all day long by speeding eBikes. At times we got up to 13-14 mph and still they sped by. Belonging to several FB bike trail pages, I've recently seen postings regarding "bragging" about "turbo mode" and traveling at 20 mph. On this trail as well as others. Pedal assist may have gotten out of hand. If you cycle on this trail, be prepared it's like a drag strip. There are a lot of rental places offering eBike rentals and wondering if they don't explain to these customers about trail courtesy and the speed limit or the people that rent just are out there for a thrill ride.
I rented an e-bike in Empire & rode to Glen Arbor today. The trail is absolutely beautiful & well-maintained. This section is entirely paved & mostly shaded by an abundance of trees. There are some significant hills on this stretch, but the e-bike was great. I definitely recommend the trail if you’re in the area.
An excellent trail with a great round trip, wonderful scenery (takes you through nature and urban), and a nice scent of pine in the air to round things off.
It's bit rough and downhill for the first segment by the ymca but becomes smooth afterwards and has some nice scenery.
We got on the trail at the Fouch Road trailhead and rode north to Suttons Bay. It was an easy 12 miles up and back. The trail is well maintained with slight elevation changes. You pass by many corn fields and cherry tree orchards. The shade from tree canopies is great. There is one spot you think you are about to enter a tunnel but it is just thick trees. There are many humorous signs along the way so look out for them. We saw a couple of trail signs pointing out where you can grab a bite but we didn’t stop. If we had more time I would have stayed in Suttons Bay to eat and view Travis Bay.
7/22/25 Rode trail north from Alanson to Mackinac City today. The conditions were GREAT! We did see some remnants of damage the ice storm, but the trail was clear and leveled. The ride was very enjoyable and scenic!
The North Eastern State Trail is a beautiful crushed gravel adventure. It is a low use trail that allows for wildlife viewing. During the 48 mile trip I only saw 6 people. Trail shelters in Metz and Millersburg were fantastic. The trail surface had some spots of deeper and looser gravel. I was happy to have 650bx47 tires on my Surly Bridge Club. Thank you to everyone who helped clear the trail post winter storm. This trail is 100% clear and open…no downed trees remain. Happy trails!
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.
Rode this trail for the first time and loved it! Didn’t love all the crossings or that there were no warning blinkers to activate at busier crossings. BUT, the scenery and trail conditions were great. Visited The Hive Cafe and had a superb iced coffee. Then stopped at Shady Lane winery for a sampler flight of wines. All in all, an awesome afternoon!
I'm writing this review because I want other to really know the condition of this trail. (The DNR opened this trail recently after the major ice storm they had) We started in Mackinaw city about a mile or so is paved then the horrible conditions start, the Crush stone was heavy and made riding very hard some area at least 3 inches deep and my husband and I almost wiped out on a few them, every road crossing the crush stone was very deep and very loose the tree limbs and the pine needles all over the trail made it a very miserable ride, it got better in Alanson to Petoskey for 7.7 miles was paved. They really need to do something about that crush stone, the whole trail it was the loose. I took many pictures I will try and submit them here as well
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