Bike Trails In Jackson, Michigan

Whether in search of a strenuous mountain biking trail or a leisurely stroll on a paved trail, the Jackson area will meet your needs. State-owned, city and county parks and trails all provide a place to enjoy the sport of mountain or road biking and the outdoors.

Jackson

An east-west trail in the Jackson County Regional Trail plan, the Falling Waters Trail connects four parks in the southern portion of Jackson County. This nearly 11-mile trail has bicycle lanes for safety and runs through the townships of Summit, Spring Arbor and Concord. Bikers will cross over Lime Lake via an old causeway on the trail. Parking is not available at the trail head but is located a short distance south.

Holt

Approximately 20 minutes north of Jackson in Holt is the William Burchfield County park with 540 acres of woods and trails to explore. The Grand River flows throughout the park, and trails starting from three different trail heads offer bikers a variety of paths to choose from, ranging from just more than a mile to nearly six miles. Difficulty of trails ranges from beginner to advanced. As of 2010, Ingham County Parks require a vehicle entrance fee of $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents.

Chelsea

Twenty-five minutes east of Jackson is the Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea. This state park has more than 20,000 acres to explore on nearly 50 miles of trails. The Waterloo Bicycle Trails, dedicated solely to mountain bikes, is five miles long. Five other trail systems in the park are multi-use and are shared with horseback riders, hikers and cross-country skiers. A Michigan state parks vehicle permit is required to enter Waterloo Recreation Area.

Parks and Forests

Bicycles are allowed in all state parks and forests unless otherwise posted. Several Michigan State Parks are located in the Jackson area to explore on your own. The Meridian-Baseline State Park just north of Jackson has approximately 88 acres open to the public. The Lakelands Trail State Park is a linear park with a 13-mile trail. The Hayes State Park southeast of Jackson has more than 650 acres available for mountain biking.

Biking Tips

Mountain biking is an excellent source of exercise and fun, made even more so when appropriate measures and precautions are taken. Before heading out on any trail, make sure you have an adequate water supply, emergency repair kit that includes a tire patch and air pump, and always make sure you let others know where you will be and when to expect your return. Michigan weather can turn on a dime; proper clothing for inclement weather also is essential.