Find the top rated birding trails in Lansing, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This week we took the farthest west leg of B to B. Beautiful paved trail that mostly runs right along M-52. It is far enough off the actual street that it feels safe—though loud at times. We parked our vehicle at Timber Town Park and then got on our bikes. We made a left out of the parking lot and soon found the bright yellow “bike crossing” sign that signaled the trail. Then we headed northwest on the trail. We prefer rides that are mostly wooded but nevertheless wanted to try out this leg. The whole bike trail is well maintained. It is a very hilly ride—lots of up and down. Therefore it took us a bit longer than normal. Heading out is more uphill, while the returning ride was more downhill.
Our group of 9 riders rode the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail today and the connecting Thomas Twp Trail. Both beautiful trails and well maintained. We highly recommend Bad River Bar & Grill in St. Charles, MI for lunch or dinner after your ride. Our service and food were very good and the owner even came over to thank us for coming in for lunch!
The trails have great signage and places for a bathroom break. It is especially beautiful this time of year with the falling leaves.
Rode this trail Sept 2024 from St Johns Depot parking lot 18 miles west toward Ionia, stopping soon after the bridge over the Maple River. It was well maintained, firm crushed stone with asphalt passing through towns. Not a problem for my gravel bike with 42 tire. As noted in other reviews, there are a few softer spots that could be a problem for thinner tires. The trail was mostly tree lined, except the section between Fowler and Pewamo is more open farmland with a view of M-21. The road crossings were smooth with almost no traffic. Stopped at the Pewamo Depot restrooms. The restrooms at St Johns Depot were locked.
Would give it a 3 1/2 stars. It’s flat, well-paved, clearly marked. Drawbacks - it runs along several roadways; many you have to drive over ( well-marked crossings). So the noise is there. But there were some really lovely spots that almost gave you the feel of Up North. We stopped at Applebees for lunch which was not too far off trail. Would like to ride it next time to Milford. We road it on a Friday so maybe weekend ride would be a more peaceful.
There are a lot of great parks along this Trail. I have seen a lot of deep woods species like the Acadian Flycatcher and Wood Thrush and many warbler species as well during the spring and summer. One night in Spring when I was coming down the 76th street segment of the trail I also saw American Woodcocks doing their peenting calls and displays. I observed a Barred Owl and Wild Turkeys during a foray down the Kentwood Trail a couple of days ago. This trail takes you away from civilization and out into the wild, through farmland and through wooded areas. A great area to hike, bike and birdwatch in.
We parked at the Saranac trailhead and boat launch, across the street from Saranac depot and historical museum. There's a pavilion with restrooms. We went left from parking lot toward Ionia (right goes toward Lowell). Trail is smooth asphalt for first 1-2 miles, then turned to smooth, level crushed stone, then back to asphalt for 1-2 miles into Ionia. The trail is mostly tree-lined with a few bridges closer to Ionia, including one large bridge over the Grand River; only one significant road crossing after crossing the road in Saranac until Ionia. It was about 8.65 miles from parking in Saranac to an elevated bridge over a roadway near downtown Ionia. There's a pavilion with restrooms and designated trail parking after crossing the big bridge. Ionia has a picturesque downtown with a brick paved Main Street, historic store fronts and court house.
The trail is well maintained, and the pace was pleasantly fast for crushed stone surface; on gravel bikes with 42c tires.
Rode this trail from Lowell north toward Belding about 8 miles one way. We parked in Creekside Park off Gee Drive; rode sidewalk about ½ mile to the Foreman St trailhead. Since it was Saturday, it looked like we could have parked at Cherry Creek Elementary School less than a block from trailhead or Lowell Middle School also off Foreman St. The trail starts next to a private residence; there's a small sign identifying the trail.
The trail was smooth asphalt for first mile; then turned to recycled asphalt which is like gravel. It was fairly firm in most spots, not a problem for our 42c tires, the pace was a bit slower. The intersection at McPherson Rd was very loose, otherwise the trail was level and good for our gravel bikes. The trail is mostly tree-lined, at least on the west side, passing through woodland, marsh, and farmland.
A nice, quiet ride with infrequent road crossings and very few people.
So well maintained! Even not paved portions are excellent. The trail is beautiful, it offers a lot of shade, and has great trail heads with dining options along the way. There was plenty of restrooms too.
I wish I could give it 20 stars!! This beautiful park has summer and winter sports, gorgeous scenery year around. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy, even if aren’t able to walk, take a drive, have a picnic. You can sit and read, lay in a hammock, walk, run, bike, fish, play on a beach, walk through wooded areas and paved trails. There’s a nature center, a farm area, horse back riding, golf, canoeing, kayaking, boating, water park, beaches, picnic shelters and bathrooms everywhere, there is so many. A golf course, disc golf? ( not sure if that’s what it’s called!! I can’t list it all but I can say i absolutely find solace, peace and happiness here!!!!
Well marked and smooth surfaces. East side along riverside is more attractive than West side, which goes along city roads. Connects to Heartland Trail to extend the duration.
Rode from Greenville to McBride. Recently resurfaced. Saw lots of wildlife, including sandhill cranes and a fox. Not very crowded, and brief road portion was easy and well marked. Recommend Holly’s in Stanton for a snack or meal.
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