Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Michigan, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We ride this trail on a beautiful fall day. It is very smooth and suitable for most any bike. I was comfortable on my ride bike and the wife was fine with her hybrid. Trail is heavily shaded in most place. Scenery is mostly wooded, with some wetlands and meadows mixed in. I would recommend this ride !
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
Rode this in August 2025 entire length and back and enjoyed it very much. Completely paved and is very smooth with lots of country and small towns to enjoy. Looking for a nice day ride near the big lake, take a ride here.
I live close by so this is my go to trail when I don't want to compete with vehicles. Crushed stone the entire length with the western half was redone in 2024. Both trailheads on east and west ends are congested on the weekends but it's nice to see people out and enjoying the outdoors. In between is much less crowded with several places to jump on from parking area's and crossroads. It's well maintained for fallen trees, branches, gopher holes and wash outs but some areas with inclines could use some attention to bring it back to smooth surface. Average rider can complete it in 3-5 hours and maybe even return back in one day. Could use me maps along the trail indicating where you are on the trial.
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.
This a good workout experience if you are walking instead of biking.
Though the posted speed limit is 10 mph at each end, the remainder of the trail is 15 mph. Having experienced first hand last month, out there on a manual pedal bike, we were passed all day long by speeding eBikes. At times we got up to 13-14 mph and still they sped by. Belonging to several FB bike trail pages, I've recently seen postings regarding "bragging" about "turbo mode" and traveling at 20 mph. On this trail as well as others. Pedal assist may have gotten out of hand. If you cycle on this trail, be prepared it's like a drag strip. There are a lot of rental places offering eBike rentals and wondering if they don't explain to these customers about trail courtesy and the speed limit or the people that rent just are out there for a thrill ride.
Just a gorgeous trail. Super smooth and wide. Canopy of trees in many sections. Goes through several great little towns. Country Dairy in New Era has great ice cream and chocolate milk. Shelby has a newer huge park. Bathrooms in almost every town. I'm from Wisconsin and would return to this trail.
I tried out the trail in Watersmeet. Even my 700c by 45mm gravel tirees were no match for the loamy rutted ATV trail that was full of wash board bumps. The trail is so rough, even the local ATVers use the road instead wherever they can.
Very enjoyable ride from Whitmore Lake to Pinckney. Some of the nicest scenery in the area. Can’t wait to go again.
We parked at the former train station, looks to be kept up and refurbished, located on 2nd Street in Vestaburg. Biked to Alma for lunch and back. 13 miles one way. This part of the trail is in very good condition, well maintained and even a section recently sealcoated. Downhill glide from Vestaburg to Alma for steady gradual uphill climb back to Vestaburg. Trail passes through a few small old railroad towns. We also found this section to be very heavily wooded offering plenty of shade. Passes by open farmlands as well. We would definitely put this on our ride again list!
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