Find the top rated dog walking trails in Houghton Lake, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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
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.
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.
Mostly excellent trail surface for a road bike - smooth, few bumps; slightly less smooth at the very start from depot in Reed City and then when entering Cadillac city (older paving surface). Plenty of shade, a few stretches out ‘in the open’, but mostly very pleasant. We had a great ride.
Chicagoland biker here who has done many trails in the Midwest (Paul Bunyan in Minnesota, I&M/Hennipan across Illinois, etc). This is a good trail, maybe even a great one. I just completed the entire 92.6 mile route. Couple things-- the trail is AMAZING if you like shade. And for the most part, it's relatively smooth (surface is more coarse/bumpy from Big Rapids north to Reed City). For that reason, a hybrid tire or thicker is probably your best bet. Could be a challenge for road bike enthusiasts. That said, a road bike would be amazing from Cadillac to Reed City, then Big Rapids to Grand Rapids. Also...reminder that you gain elevation going south to north. A better ride, especially if you catch a good northern wind at your back, would be going Cadillac to Grand Rapids. Still, a great experience!
There is no longer a gap in the trail between Farwell and Clare so we decided to take a quick ride to check it out! We started at the Clare Depot at W 4th Street and Beech St. The path begins by weaving behind the railroad yard and several small industrial buildings and then follows the road for a mile or so before it becomes quiet and tree lined. It is only 5 miles to the park in downtown Farwell. The return trip to Clare went very quickly because heading east the grade is slightly downhill. We explored the Clare Depot when we got back. Great gift shop with very informative helpful staff!
10/10 for getting back to nature. 1/10 for road surface. The roads in Michigan are horrible, so I'm not sure why I thought the paths would be better.
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.
Boy, was I disappointed! Worst rails trails I have ever been on. No upkeep whatsoever, June 7th, 2025.
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