I found this handy connector trail while biking at Island Lake. It led to the back of the parking lot of the Green Oak Village shopping center. Follow around to the left, skirting the parking lot, past the Panera and you can find the Fieldcrest Trail which will take you to the residential areas along US-23 south to Silver Lake Road. If I lived in that area, this connector would be my main access to good biking. Although gravel, it was hard-packed and smoother than the actual paved trail at Island Lake. Slopes are gentle. This trail parallels the train tracks and the Island Lake side terminates a stone’s throw from the Dodge Picnic area in Island Lake.

This trail connects the residential area along Fieldcrest to the Green Oak Village Place shopping center. It parallels US-23, making it VERY noisy, and it’s not the prettiest although there are a few visual gems as you cross the bridge over the Huron River. The path is smooth and hills are small and gentle. Maps indicate that the north end terminates at what appears to be a carpool parking lot directly across the road from Panera. However, the path continues as it skirts around the edge of the shopping center parking lots, and although I could not find it marked on any maps, there is a very smooth, short gravel path providing direct access to the road at Island Lake State Park.

I started in Jonesville. The trail was littered with trash, including car parts from the significant 4 lane road next to the trail. It was overgrown in parts and simply was in terrible shape. I got a flat at about mile out and walked back. I was confident that if I changed the tube that there was enough litter on the trail that riding would soon result in another flat.

Great trail! Loved every mile of it from end to end!

I've been a user of the Fred Meijer M-21 trail since before it was restored to a trail. I've enjoyed walking, running, and biking it.

I would say for the most part, the route gets more and more intersting the further west you go. Though it's pretty neat running through the towns of Ovid, St. Johns, and Fowler, there isn't much inbetween other than cornfields. The west side of Ovid has some nice ponds and turns to the trail. However, you are a ways off the road M21, the paths surrounded by trees on both sides, and beyond that are more cornfields.

The scenery doesn't change much untill you hit Pewamo. From Pewamo to Saranac, the trail has numerous bridges over water and M21, some of which are very large and impressive. The trail is built above the river below, which makes for more to see and experience.

Unfortunatly, since many of these towns are distanced from each other, it's very likely you can go 7-8 miles without seeing anyone else on the trail. The only stretches paved are for a mile east and west out of each town. The soft gravel/sand is great for running, but will slow down mountain bikes, and be nearly impossible for bikes with skinny tires.

It would be great if it one day the whole thing was paved. I would love to see it exended further west to connect with trails in Ada and Grand Rapids. Another opportunity would be to extend it further east to Flint and those trails. Additionally, theres another opportunity to extend it north from St. Johns to Ithaca, to connect with the Highway 27 Trails.

Can be very crowded with an equal amount of bikers and walkers. Clean paved and well kept with a few stop and rest areas. Nice picnic areas near trail but limited restrooms. A few nice hills to climb with an equal payoff coasting downhill into smooth curves. Sun block is a must, not a lot of shade along the trail but nice scenery and water front riding along beach and boating area. A nice day out!

Bikers should get an early start! Heavy foot traffic due to runners and walkers enjoying the trail. Clean but overgrown foliage in areas causing the trail to narrow forcing walkers into the weeds when trying to pass on bikes. Very few if any restrooms along the path, outhouse style. A few new benches. A local lake side picnic area very busy and congested but clean. Parking best in the early morning!!

Many of the reviews so far mention how bumpy this trail is. While it is true that bikers will ride over a steady stream of cracks, it is still better than a dirt road. Wear your bike shorts and don’t take any champagne flutes with you, and you’ll be fine! This trail winds through pretty forest and scenic meadows, through a short tunnel, past a beach, and ends at a picnic shelter on the Huron River. Several segments along the way are pine-scented. Who doesn’t love that? This trail is a nice way to add a few miles to the Kensington Loop, but it doesn’t go anywhere on its own. Use caution speeding around corners on busy days.

I live two miles from the trail and just recently rode the entire trail from new beginning in Whitmore Lake, MI the 34 miles (one way) to where it now ends west of Munith, MI. It is paved for about 12 miles until the west of Pinckney and then crushed stone remaining 22 or so. Horses frequent section between Pinckney and Gregory. The section from Gregory to Stockbridge is in my opinion the prettiest as tree covered. Many places to eat in Hamburg, Pinckney and Stockbridge. Watch for out of date maps/reviews as much work was done in 2019 and 2020. Eventually to connect further east and west and hoped to be full width of state.