16 Best Bike Trails in Michigan

16 Best Bike Trails in Michigan

Michigan’s trails are a wonderland for the senses. The state has more than 1,300 miles of mapped trails for you to discover. The opportunities for ebike riders with all abilities are limitless. From downtown bustle to remote lakeshores and everywhere in between, there’s a trail that's just your style.

Biking is all about being outdoors. We love to find out where our customers ride, and we love finding new trails. With a cruiser bike, you can go farther and longer than ever. Here’s our latest installment in our best trails by state. Michigan is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Find our more, and happy trails!

16 Best Bike Trails in Michigan

1. Flint River Trail

Anyone visiting the state's eastern side can take a spin on this asphalt-paved trail. The trail takes you through neighborhoods and local parks while educating you about Flint's history with various trail markers and plaques.

2. Port Huron Bridge to Bay Trail

Don't miss out on riding the Bridge to Bay Trail when you're on Michigan's sunrise coast. This trail runs along the St. Clair River and starts near the famed Blue Water Bridge. You'll cross the Black River drawbridge and then walk across central Port Huron and the Blue Water River Walk before arriving in New Baltimore, just past the Coast Guard Cutter Bramble Museum and a tunnel under Military Street. If driving isn't your thing, you should take the Amtrak Blue Water train with your bike and stow it!

3. Dequindre Cut

The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a public recreational path in downtown Detroit that opened in May 2009. Formerly a Grand Trunk Railroad line, the two-mile greenway was created by a state, nonprofit, and private initiative that included the federal government, the City of Detroit, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. It also provides a pedestrian connection between the East Riverfront, Eastern Market, and many suburban communities in between.

4. Grand River Edges Trail

Explore the Grand River Edges Trail system on Michigan's west coast. These trails meander along the shores of the Grand River, linking downtown Grand Rapids to Kent Trails and Millennium Park. The trail comprises 2.2 miles of gravel path in Riverside Park that leads to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park.

5. Marquette City Multi Use Path

The Multi-Use Path in Marquette is a 19-mile asphalt trail that crosses the city from Presque Isle Park in the north to Harvey in the south. The trail connects neighborhoods, shopping areas, commercial districts, city landmarks, and entertainment areas, such as the famous Mattson Lower Harbor Park and Iron Ore Heritage Trail.

The trail's eastern section circles the coast of Lake Superior, providing excellent views and beach access.

6. Musketawa Trail

The Musketawa Trail is a 26-mile stretch of pure Americana. The rail bed, which was originally owned by the Central Michigan Railroad, was purchased in 1992 and converted into a rail trail thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Musketawa Trail. It's a quiet, comfortable ride through classic fields, with plenty of butterflies, birds and natural beauty to keep you amused. The entire length of the trail is asphalt-paved. Your trip will take you through small country towns and large areas of farm fields, marshes, and shady woodlands against the backdrop of rural America.

7. Lansing River Trail

The Lansing River Trail is only one of several trails in the Lansing area. The trail currently extends from Waverly Road to Old Town, passing through Potter Park and into Michigan State University. It's more than 20 miles of paved trail that runs through and near a variety of popular locations in Lansing.

The trail provides the opportunity to see wildlife and is suitable for runners and bikers of all ability levels. The trail also offers a variety of activities. Dogs are welcome to use this trail, but they must be kept on a leash.

8. Paint Creek Trail

The Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9-mile-long linear park in northeast Oakland County. It was the first rail-to-trail in Michigan, having been converted from the old Penn Central Railroad. The Paint Creek Trail, which has been open to the public since 1983, attracts over 100,000 visitors per year. The 8-foot-wide non-motorized trail runs through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion.

9. Leelanau Trail

Traverse City to Suttons Bay is connected by a 17-mile paved trail. Bicyclists can pass through woodland, fields, vineyards, lakes, and ponds. The trail is 17 miles long, but the majority of it is flat and easy to ride. There are several trailheads to start and finish your ride for those who do not want to ride through the entire 17 miles.

10. Pere Marquette Rail-Trail

The Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, which runs through Midland, is 30 miles long. The path is intended for cyclists, runners, and inline skaters who want to take in the scenery. The trail is very popular, with over 200,000 people visiting it each year.

11. I-275 Metro Trail

This 33-mile paved trail was built in the 1970s as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's solution to the state's fuel crisis. It connected Wayne and Monroe and ran parallel to Interstate 275. It is now used recreationally by cyclists and hikers alike.

12. Betsie Valley Trail

This 22-mile trail runs from Frankfort to Thompsonville through Elberta and Beulah. A part of the trail is paved, and the entire length is accessible to all pedestrians and bicycles.

13. Harbor View Bike & Pedestrian Trail

The Harbor View Trail is a non-motorized walking and bicycle path that winds through Harbor Beach's parks, downtown, and coastal areas. It links the majority of Harbor Beach's key attractions, including the marina, campground, Backus Nature Trail, and beach.

14. Huron Sunrise Trail

Huron-Sunrise is one of northern Michigan's most scenic trails, stretching six miles north along Lake Huron from Rogers City. In Rogers City, there are numerous good trailheads along the lakeshore. The trail currently ends at the Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, which is eight miles from Rogers City.

15. Lakeshore Connector Path

The Lakeshore Connector Path stretches approximately 20 miles along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, connecting Grand Haven and Holland. The paved path runs parallel to Lakeshore Drive and provides access to beachfront parks along the way.

16. Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path

Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path parallels both US 23 and the coast of Tawas Bay. The scenic route crosses the communities of Alabaster Township, Tawas City, East Tawas, and Baldwin Township and provides breathtaking water views at many points along the way.

Before You Take an Ebike Ride

Always check the local areas for regulation updates before you head out for a ride. There may be new rules in effect, or certain trails may be closed. Make sure to check their websites for more information.

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