Find the top rated running trails in Lansing, 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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Just finished doing the trail from Mendota to Bristol and back. 25 miles. This is DEFINITELY the direction to take if doing a round trip ride. First 9+ miles from Mendota end are steady up hill. It’s a grunt! Once up to the top though it’s a fun coating ride to Bristol. This way on return it’s only 3 miles uphill and then 9.5 down mostly. Would’ve been much tougher starting in Bristol. Trail is a shaded mix of gravel, dirt, grass and even pavement. It’s all fine but not all a glassy paved ride. Excellent trail!!!
Great signageWell maintained trails Stay at the Inn at Foster Falls for the full experience
Just have to give all the park rangers and volunteers a shout out for making this trail a beautiful trail again after Hurricane Helene. We parked at Ivanhoe and rode to Cliffview. Flush toilets and a gift shop at Cliffview. The trail is better than I remember it being before. You could clearly see the devastation and how hard they must have worked to bring this trail back! Thank you!
I’ve ridden this twice since Helene. Once last Fall and then again in March 2025. There isn’t much traffic since the road is closed at the bridge — which is about half way. Bikes can cross the bridge and ride around the road damage past the bridge. It would be 5 stars for scenery if it weren’t for the fact there are still cars — just fewer than normal. Helene was such a devastating storm. ¿¿Appalachia Strong!
The trail is well maintained. You are mostly riding through town. The last 3-4 miles are a little sketchy. You are riding behind and in between factories. Nice ride overall if you’re just looking for somewhere to ride your bike.
Trail is immaculate compared to most. Rode it mid March and you could see all the work that’s been done in the last few months. It takes a minute to get to the Mendota trailhead but it’s worth the beautiful drive if you have the time. Not to say starting in Bristol is bad because it isn’t. If you haven’t been yet then put it on your list.
Accessed trail at Booker Falls. Great ride with beautiful views of the New River. Saw several deer and interesting to see the damage from the hurricane.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is CLOSED from Drowning Ford to Whitetop. No one is permitted on that section of the trail without the express written permission from the US Forest Service. In addition, NO clean ups are permitted on this section of the trail at this time. The most valuable action you can take at this time is to stay off the trail so essential resources are not otherwise diverted. We understand and appreciate your curiosity and interest but this is not the time. When we reach the restoration phase, we will reach out. Thank you for your support…it will take our entire trail community to rebuild and restore - but we will do so!! The lower section of the trail, from Abingdon to Drowning Ford (only) is open. Please repost…thank you!
Very nice trail that is well maintained. Expect to see lots of other trail users as this is heavily used. Be aware that due to the type of gravel used your bicycle will get very dusty but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this ride
This trail does not disappoint. The ride down from Whitetop Mountain was fun with beautiful vista after beautiful vista. I STRONGLY recommend riding this trail twice.
The first time, just ride it and take it all in. Enjoy the beauty of the environment and the trail. Get into the zone and just ride non-stop.
Then do it a second time but, this time, stop to take pictures, grab a coffee or a cider at one of the cafes that pop up along the trail, and then stop to take more pictures.
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