Make the Climb

Your mountain biking guide to the North

By Brighid Driscoll | April 9, 2022

We already know that cherries, beer and wine, beaches, and unbeatable views are attractions that cause visitors to flock to northern Michigan. While these are all tried and true reasons to enjoy the area, mountain biking is proving to be a dark horse in the region’s tourist industry.

With growing trail options attracting riders from downstate and beyond, northern Michigan is quietly becoming a mecca for mountain biking, and there’s no better time to start taking advantage of the many local trail offerings. “People have options up here, even if you’re just getting started,” says Communications and Policy Director for TART Trails Brian Beauchamp, an avid mountain biker himself. “It can be an intimidating sport to get into, but it’s a lot of fun and a great way to get outdoors.”

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or novice, there’s a trail begging to be explored. Northern Express has compiled a list of three beginner trails and three trails better suited for those with experience. Choose your own adventure.

For Beginner Riders
VASA Skillz Loop, Williamsburg: This 2-mile course was designed in partnership with Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA) for beginners of all ages. Two one-mile loops give riders a chance to experience jumps, tabletops, berms, and rock gardens at low-level intensity. For added comfort, the trails allow you to ride around some of these features so you can take them on when you feel ready. “This is a great place to prepare someone to get out on the more advanced trails,” says Beauchamp. “What’s nice about this trail is that it’s near the VASA Singletrack off of Supply Road. This is a really cool 12-mile trail managed by NMMBA through state forest land. It’s a combination of flat and hilly sections, and it flows really nicely.”

Boardman River Trail, Traverse City: For a more unique mountain biking experience that is still beginner friendly, Kate Lewis, the community engagement manager for TART, suggests the Boardman River Trail. The 24-mile multi-use trail recently added 7 miles of a newly constructed singletrack that connects Mayfield Pond Park to the North Country Trail. You’ll get a variety of views on this mostly flat terrain, including the lake, forest, seasonal wildlife, and more. The trail is part of a larger, mostly wooded 41-mile loop that includes intersections from North Country Trail and VASA Pathway. A small portion of the trail that crosses through Brown Bridge Quiet Area to Muncie Lakes trailhead is hiking only. However, the rest of the trail permits mountain biking.

Cadillac Pathway, Cadillac: Thirteen miles of trail await you at Cadillac Pathway. Eight different loops are accessible through the trailhead, all with varying skill levels. The forested loops are on state land that’s managed by the DNR; the trail, however, is managed by none other than NMMBA. Loops are well appointed with signs, with most getting gradually more difficult the further out you ride. However, there are a few unmarked singletracks that splinter off the marked loops. These jaunts will eventually lead you back to the main trail, but you won’t be able to anticipate difficulty until you’re already on it. Buy the ticket, take the ride.

For Intermediate/Advanced Riders
Arcadia Dunes, Arcadia: This Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy trail is beloved by locals, and for good reason. Arcadia Dunes offers seasonal beauty paired with over 15 miles of a wonderfully designed trail system. Its intermediate rating doesn’t come from challenging features, but rather its longer length with the main trail being 10 miles long. Climbs are made smoother with assistance from picked-up downhill speed and momentum. Smooth, flowy turns reveal picturesque vistas, and when late spring warms the earth, native flora make for an idyllic background. “It’s really well known for a great ride in the spring,” says Beauchamp. “You’re literally pedaling through forests of flowers.” The trail looks like a wide singletrack, but bikers can ride in either direction—just take heed of other riders who may be coming toward you while out on the trail.

Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, Maple City: “You can’t talk about northern Michigan mountain biking without talking about Palmer Woods,” says Beauchamp. The 1,075-acre forest is home to 14 miles of mountain biking trails. Though 10 of those miles were designed to be intermediate, the other 4 were designed for beginners, making it a suitable destination for bikers of all skill levels. Tight corners, steep slopes, tabletops, and jumps are all offered through Palmer’s intermediate loops. Towering trees and ancient fern species give this Leelanau Conservancy property a mystical, prehistoric feel that will give riders a deepwoods adventure worthy of returning to time and again.

Avalanche Preserve, Boyne City: Before becoming the mountain bike destination it is today, the Avalanche Trail was once a ski hill. The deteriorating 4.5-mile trail had long been a treasure to biking locals because of its wooded beauty and challenging features. The trail grew to over 7 miles after a successful Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) fundraising campaign. Seasoned mountain bikers still love the rooty land, steep hills, and exhilarating jumps, but there are loops that a beginner can ride too. Avid mountain bikers of Avalanche say it’s best to ride counterclockwise due to hikers.

Upcoming Mountain Bike Races
Ready to kick your bike into higher gear? Here are a few of the spring and summer races across the North.

Mud Sweat and Beers, Traverse City, May 7: Mud Sweat and Beers started in the early 2000s when a group of inexperienced bikers decided to get together and ride every Wednesday. As the group grew, they started the event as a way to support local nonprofit ski hill Mt. Holiday. Racers start and finish at Mt. Holiday with a beautiful ride through the VASA trail system in between. Racers can choose to do races of 25, 12, or 2 miles. Sign up at mudsweatandbeers.com.

Michigan Mountain Mayhem Spring Classic, Boyne City, June 18: Touted as likely to be “the hardest ride you ever attempt,” the annual MMM Spring Classic is not for the faint of heart. Held on the 3rd Saturday in June, the annual race gives riders the option between a 50K, 100K, 160K, or 200K(!) ride. It’s tough terrain with plenty of climbing through Boyne Mountain and Schuss Mountain before heading back to Boyne City. Register at michiganmountainmayhem.com.

Ride Around Torch, Elk Rapids, July 17: For those who are looking for something less competitive, Ride Around Torch is a great option. The one-day event takes riders through Alden, Eastport, Clam River, and Torch River. The race gives folks the option of 26-, 40-, 63-, and 100-mile courses. Visit cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org.