Find the top rated birding trails in Southgate, 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.
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I rode the Sandusky and Ottawa County Section of the North Coast Inland Trail using two out-and-back rides during September of 2025. The first ride was from Bellevue to Fremont, Ohio. The second ride occurred one week later from Fremont to Genoa and back.
Overall, I was very pleased with the trail. It is well maintained and the asphalt surface is in great shape with few to no cracks, tree root uplift, or potholes. The trail surface in Ottawa County is a chip and sealed stone surface that did not have any patches of loose gravel. Between Bellevue and Fremont a good portion of the trail is shaded with limited views of the surrounding countryside. It does tend to open up more the further northwest you go on the trail. Sunscreen becomes a must the further you travel in that direction. I encountered a number of cyclists and pedestrians using the trail on either side of Fremont, but it seemed that the further away you got from Fremont the less crowded the trail became. During my ride between Elmore and Genoa and back I did not see a single person on the trail. Perhaps, had I ridden this trail at a different time and/or on a weekend maybe I would have encountered more trail users.
I have just a few nits I would like to pick about this trail. First, I think that the on-street routes in the cities of Bellevue and Fremont need to be better marked. In Bellevue, as the trail comes into town on the east side you cross Bauer Rd. and have to travel 2/10 of a mile to Prairie Rd. only be directed back to Bauer Rd. to cross town. Why isn't there a sign at the Bauer Rd. crossing to tell you use Bauer to travel through town. In Fremont, there needs to be a bike lane between Walter Avenue and N. Brush Street along W. State Street (US-20), similar to the one between Portland Rd. and Southwest Street in Bellevue. This 4 lane divided highway has too much traffic and many large commercial trucks to ask cyclists and pedestrians to use it's narrow shoulders.
Secondly, I think that each town could benefit from a small business directory sign or kiosk posted along the trail as you enter each town. The North Coast Inland Trail is a long trail that attracts users from outside the local populace. Connecting these non-residential users to local businesses could have a positive impact on the local economy of each town.
Rode from Marine City and turned around way before we made it to St Claire. Asphalt is laid in maybe 10 yard sections. So there is a seam between every section causing the brain to rattle every 10 yards. Most of the trail was in the sun along a busy road. New to MI and had hoped to find the trail hugging the river a bit more to see the tankers. Also, the lack of signage made it very confusing causing us to stop several times to consult the map.
Rode this trail on multiple rides over the Memorial Day weekend. Connected to it via the Milford trail and accessed it from two different directions to be able to complete the entire trail minus the closed section. Great views of lakes with bald eagles’ nests and white swans - along with folks fishing, riding paddle boats and enjoying the beach. Shared the trail with many bikers and walkers. Noted that many fast paced riders fail to give audible warnings when passing-which is dangerous! Great trail and look forward to riding it again in the future!!
It was easy to find while staying at Camp Dearborn over the holiday weekend in May. Path was well maintained with adequate warning of crossroads. Shaded in various areas for a great ride. Will look forward to riding it again!
Nice and smooth. Nearly and surprisingly empty on Memorial Day. Great paved trail. River views. A super nice trail.
Rode this trail today starting at West Rd and 26 mile. Within 20 ft there was a downed tree blocking the pathway managed to get me and my bike through it. Experienced two more downed trees along my journey and did the same until I got somewhere in Armada and could not proceed any farther. This tree was too big to get through. Overall, this was a lovely 31-mile ride; I enjoyed the trail's peacefulness. Wish I could have finished the rest of the trail to Richmond but maybe next time.
It's a pretty decent trail with a great round trip.
I love this trail but why is the bridge still closed? It was closed most of last year and it looks like nothing has been done (bridge is on east side of island lake entrance). This is a complete closure which prohibits anyone from taking a circular route.
Just had another close call at the Pontiac trail “crossing” This intersection needs to be a safety priority!!
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