Bikers can leisurely travel about rapid rivers, farmland, wetlands, towns and other terrain while cycling along Michigan's longest bike trails, many of which are be found in state parks in the western portion of the state. While some of the parks require an access fee, some only suggest donations or are free to use. Bikers should yield for snowmobiles and horseback riders, as many of these gravel-lined paths are also open to patrons using other modes of transportation.
Kal-haven Trail State Park
This 34-mile gravel trail in southwestern Michigan allows biking along Lake Michigan, beginning in South Haven and ending in Kalamazoo. Visitors can bring their own bike, or rent one at any of the bike rental or repair shops along the way. After, they can lounge at the beach or stop into the maritime museum in South Haven, while campgrounds appear throughout the park. Tables are available so cyclists can bring lunch and picnic, or ditch the trail and eat at a restaurant in town. Water and toilet facilities also dot the path every few miles.
The Kal-haven Trail is available for so much more than biking--the multi-use trail is also used for walking, running, horseback riding and even snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. A state trail pass fee applies.
Musketawa Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts traverse through wetlands, farmland and towns while biking on the Musketawa Trail in western Michigan. Visitors can bike, walk or even skate along the 26-mile paved trail that extends eastward from Muskegon to Marne, a town near Grand Rapids. Local bike shops and the tourist bureau all carry maps of the trail.
There are several bike shops in Muskegon and Grand Rapids. Food stores are situated in Muskegon, Ravenna, Conklin and Marne along the way. While the trail is free to use for patrons, the Friends of Musketawa Trail appreciate optional membership.
White Pine Trail State Park
Marvel at all of the vistas western Michigan can afford while biking through the White Pine Trail State Park. The park's 92-mile trail extends the length of the Penn Central Railroad rail bed, and connects Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Mostly gravel, a 13-mile section of the path near Big Rapids is paved.
With hundreds of campsites along the trail, bikers should keep a package of marshmallows handy. Stop in at any of the three bike stores in Grand Rapids for bike or camping accessories and supplies. A state trail pass is required for park utilization.
Hart-Montague Trail State Park
The Hart-Montague Trail State Park is one of the state's westernmost bike trails. Cycle southward from Hart to Montague and Whitehall along the park's 25-mile paved trail. Bikers will be treated to scenic Michigan views of rivers, forests and farmland, and can make the nearby Silvers Lake Sand Dunes or any of the several area commercial campgrounds their destination. There is no access fee for Hart-Montague park patrons.
Jack Stevens Trail
The Jack Stevens Trail is one the longer paths on Michigan's upper peninsula. The 14-mile trail's rough surface is designed for multi-use, and is also patronized by those on ATV bikes and snowmobiles. Like the White Pine Trail State Park, the Jack Stevens Trail extends the length of a former railroad bed, continuing from Hancock to Calumet. The trail's rough path is best suited for those cycling on mountain bikes.
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