Mountain biking through the terrain of Michigan features scenic rides for any skill level. From rolling hills, forest trails or grassy meadows, riders can utilize trails according to ratings of easy, moderate or strenuous. Mountain biking is aerobically and technically challenging, but provides for an effective workout. With trails located across the state, visitors or locals can find trails of many lengths and terrains.
Bald Mountain Loops
Part of the Lake Orion Michigan Mountain Bike Trails, this trail is rated easy to moderate aerobically and technically. With a length of 11.7 miles, accomplishing this narrow, single-track trail can take approximately two hours to complete. Best ridden during the summer and fall months, this 4,600-acre park contains numerous lakes, creeks and steep hills. Biking in the north direction, the white trail is the hilliest and the orange trail is uphill for the first half of the ride and downhill coasting toward the end.
Potawatomi Trail
Located in Pinckney, Michigan, is the "granddaddy" of southeast Michigan mountain biking trails. This single-track trail is 17.5 miles in length featuring a moderately strenuous rating aerobically and technically. This loop can take two to four hours to complete even for advanced riders. The intense terrain of sandy and steep hills, loose gravel and exposed roots challenges riders passing Halfmoon Lake. The average speed on the trail is calculated at 8.47 miles per hour.
Mackinac Island Trails
The 9.3-mile loop is considered Michigan's most challenging single-track trail. This one- to two-hour ride is aerobically rated moderate and technically rated easy to most strenuous. Best explored during the summer months, the Tranquil Bluff Trail leads along a steep cliff edge with a chance to view Lake Huron. There is minimal elevation gained on this trail, but riders should be cautious of horseback riders who share this loop. Tranquil Bluff consists of 6.3 miles of single track, 2.3 miles of paved road and 0.7 miles of dirt road.
Fort Custer Recreation Area Trails
Located in Augusta, Michigan, this course contains four loop trails rated technically easy to moderate. Aerobically these trails are rated moderate, with a total of 16.8 miles of trails. Single track, paved and dirt road create the trail's terrain. The expert red trail challenges riders with steep climbs and hair-pin curves. Intermediate riders explore the green trail with shallow creek crossing and tough switchbacks. Novice cyclers use the blue and yellow loops to ensure a safe and smooth session. The average speed calculated is 8.44 miles per hour.
Brighton Recreation Area Loops
Brighton features two single-track trails, Lake Murray and Torn Shirt. The easier seven-mile Murray Lake Trail challenges riders with rolling hills and an obstacle-free ride. Torn Shirt is an intense five-mile loop that pushes riders to the max at points of breathless states riding over rocks, logs and other obstructive material. Overall, this course is rated technically easy to moderate and aerobically moderate. One to two hours are needed to complete the trail.
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