Find the top rated walking trails in West Branch, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We live nearby in Idlewild and have rode nearly every section of this trail except from Chase to Reed City. We enjoyed most all of it except from Reed City to Evart. The path is very bumpy and the scenery is not great.
We parked in Evart and biked West to Reed City for lunch. And back. Very nice trailhead in Evart, former train station looks to be recently repainted. Real restrooms but only open when City Hall is open. The asphalt pavement between Evart and Reed City is in very poor condition. Wide cracks the entire width of the trail. Not much by the way of shade as the trail goes through miles of sand/dirt quarries. The trees/scenery along the trail was pretty. Would not ride this section again unless it was all dug up and repaved. Will check in a few years to see.
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.
Nice addition to the Pere Marquette Trail in Midland. Access the trail via the Tridge. This trail meanders through wetlands and beautiful scenery. The Chippewa Nature Center is at the opposite end and offers free admission. Trail surface well maintained.
Chippewa Trail offers a smooth ride through woods and open fields with tight curves defining most of the trail.
Visit if you're in the area and are looking for a good trail.
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!
There’s allot to explore and see along the way. The bird watch towers are really nice. Bring mosquito spray and binoculars! The paved trail is really nice the real adventure is the hiking trail by the end. It’s more rugged and not paved but the views are amazing. Highly recommend adding this to your list of adventures but don’t forget the mosquito spray there is a marsh right there.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
This trial is pretty rough due to all that loose stone, so if you go on a bike, a fat tire one is prob best, or perhaps walk this one?
Pavement is rough and there's nothing to see maybe either walk this one or skip it entirely.
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