Muskegon, Michigan is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Also home to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park and Muskegon State Park, the city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including swimming, boating, cross-country skiing, hiking and biking. Bicycle trails are found in several spots in Muskegon and offer a good way to take in the scenic landscape.
Trails
The bike trails that are located in Muskegon are the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, Hart-Montague Trail State Park and the Musketawa Trail. Each trail offers some distinctive features. For those looking for a more urban ride, stick to the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail which runs through downtown Muskegon, past several waterways. The Musketawa Trail is more rural, passing through farmlands, small villages and wetlands. Hart-Montague Trail State Park gives riders the feel of being deep in the woods, as the land is surrounded by forest.
Locations
The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail has two trailheads, each with parking. Pere Marquette Park is the home to the southern trailhead where Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve is home to the northern trailhead. The Musketawa Trail is located on the east side of Muskegon County and is accessible from Sherman Boulevard, a main road in the area. Parking is provided at the trail head. Hart-Montague Trail State Park is in the north of Muskegon County. Parking for riders is available on the side of the trail.
Difficulty
All of the trails in Muskegon are suitable for riders of all abilities. Muskegon Lakeshore Trail is especially good for beginner cyclists as it runs through a more urban environment and includes many spots to stop and rest if needed. Each trail has relatively flat terrain. The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail and Musketawa Trail are entirely paved, where the Hart-Montague Trail State Park is mostly paved with some hard-packed areas.
Trail Lengths
Trail lengths vary. Hart-Montague Trail State Park runs for 22.5 miles. The Musketawa Trail goes for 26 miles from Muskegon all the way to Marne. Muskegon Lakeshore Trail is the shortest of the three at 10 miles. Keep in mind that these are linear trails, so if you ride the entire length, you'll have to ride the same length to return to your vehicle.
Considerations
If you're vacationing in the area and have left your bike at home, the nearest bicycle rental location is in Grand Haven, several miles away. Be sure that you have room in your vehicle for the bikes if you need to rent them. Keep in mind that these trails are not solely for cyclists. You'll potentially be sharing the trails with walkers, joggers, in-line skaters and those on horseback. Be aware of this and the safety implications.
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