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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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.
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
May 20 on the trail we were plagued by stretches with fallen trees. This was a big problem for us bike packing.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
It is a gem of a trail, but during tourist season, it can be busier especially on weekends. Road crossings are generally pretty chill, but closer to TC be more cautious with drivers. If you park in Suttons Bay, you can cool down with a nice walk after the ride at the Leo Creek Preserve, which has beautiful gardens in the summer.
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