May is National Bike Month and spring is in the air. What better time to dust off your two-wheeled companion for some sustainable and active fun?!
As one of the most versatile forms of transportation and low impact exercise, biking offers something for everyone. Bicycling is great if you are looking to burn some calories or just enjoying the great outdoors. Michigan has more trails than any other state in the country.
Here are seven of our favorite trails to add to your Michigan biking bucket list:
White Pine Trail
The White Pine Trail Stretches 92 miles from Comstock Park to Cadillac. It consists of both paved and packed gravel paths. Cyclists can cruise over 14 open deck bridges in five counties. There are plenty of opportunities for pit stops along the way. Some of the best ones are in Cedar Springs, Big Rapids, and Reed City.
Lakeshore Trail
Looking to combine beaches and bikes? This trail is for you! The Lakeshore Trail connects two of Michigan’s most popular beaches – Holland State Park and Grand Haven State Park. This bike path runs parallel to Lakeshore Drive. This scenic ride travels through parks and nature preserves along the way. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at Kirk Park or stop at Pigeon Creek and stroll along the boardwalk.
Photo courtesy of southhaven.org
Kal-Haven Trail
Kal-Haven Trail is a crushed limestone path and a former railroad line. It offers the more avid cyclist a chance to test their endurance as they journey between Kalamazoo and South Haven for 34 miles.
TART Trail
This northern Michigan bike ride offers variety of scenery as it connects Traverse City to Acme Township. The Traverse Area Recreation Trail has many beautiful points of interest. Some noteworthy ones include Traverse City State Park, the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay, Downtown Traverse City, and more. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can connect to the Leelanau Trail for an extra long adventure.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/TartTrails
Huron Valley Trail
This rail trail extends 12.5 miles. It connects to Island Lake Pathway and Kensington Metropark Bike Trail. The Metropark Bike Trail surrounds Kent Lake and is home to many popular recreational activities.
Bay County Riverwalk Trails
Split into two branches, this system has 21 miles of trails to be explored. The Bay City Loop outlines the city on deserted railroad and boardwalks along the Saginaw River. The northern section of the trail links the Bay City Recreation Area with the Tobico Marsh. This has more than 3 miles of nature trails open to bikes. The Tobico Marsh is perfect for nature lovers. It is the one of the largest coastal wetlands in Michigan and is known for excellent bird watching.
Photo courtesy of lansingrivertrail.org
Lansing River Trail
The Capitol City’s river trail follows the Grand River and Red Cedar River. This 13 mile path has three sections. The northern branch takes pedal pushers through “Old Town” and downtown Lansing. The eastern section runs along the Red Cedar River and throughout Michigan State University’s campus. The southern and newest addition to the trail system gives cyclists a chance to enjoy scenes of Michigan’s best wetlands and woodlands as it winds along Sycamore Creek.
Where is your favorite bike trail? What’s on your Michigan biking bucket list?
