Your NoMi Mountain Biking Guide

Check out these trails in TC, Bellaire, Cadillac, Otsego County, and Kalkaska

By Emily Batdorf | May 11, 2024

As the weather warms up in northern Michigan, locals and tourists alike are gearing up for some of the area’s most popular activities: sunning at the beach, sipping local wines, and dining on farm-fresh produce. But amid the abundance of relaxing summer pursuits, don’t overlook one of NoMi’s favorite outdoor activities—mountain biking. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, make time this summer to gear up and get out on our beautiful trails.

Northern Michigan Mountain Biking Association (NMMBA) is the nonprofit behind many of the region’s mountain biking trails, building and maintaining miles of local trails to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy year-round.

According to NMMBA president Tim Reicha, mountain biking has long been popular in northern Michigan, thanks to the beloved Iceman Cometh Challenge and other local events. Despite the popularity of and tradition around races like these, Reicha has seen interest in mountain biking shift over the years.

“Since I’ve been involved, there’s been a really strong community of mountain biking in the area,” he says. “It’s just kind of shifted from what it was—race focused—to more recreational now.” 

With a trend toward recreational riding growing—and more trails being built all the time—there’s never been a better time to try the sport. “If you can ride a bike, you can mountain bike,” says Reicha. Whether you’re looking for physical exercise, a mental health boost, time in nature, or an activity to enjoy with friends or family, Reicha cites all of these as benefits of getting out on the trails.

While NMMBA is busy with projects around the region—including new partnerships, additional trails and trail connections, upgraded facilities, and more—there are plenty of local spots to get out and explore right now. “Each NMMBA partner trail offers something a little different and allows riders from across our region to access a trail close to home,” Reicha says.

Vasa Bike Park and Singletrack

The Vasa trail network in Traverse City, which winds through Pere Marquette State Forest, may be best known for cross-country skiing—but it’s also home to two noteworthy NoMi mountain biking destinations: the Vasa Bike Park and Vasa Singletrack.

The bike park is ideal for families and new riders who want to gain some experience and practice on a bike. Because mountain biking has unique challenges, parks like these offer the chance for riders to get comfortable riding on something other than pavement. From navigating tree roots to managing elevation to practicing turns on dirt and grass, the park offers a low-stakes entrypoint to the sport.

“The Vasa Bike Park at the Bartlett Road VASA trailhead is a partnership between Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation, TART, and NMMBA. We have approximately three miles of beginner-friendly trails with short cross-country loops and an area with jumps, berms, and other skill-building features,” says Reicha.

The Vasa Singletrack, on the other hand, is a 16-mile loop trail. It’s also beginner-friendly and includes 100 feet of vertical ascent within its three well-marked loops. In the winter, you’ll find 22 miles of groomed multisport trail. The Vasa trails are well-marked and maintained, and there are also dozens of miles of unmarked trails you can access from the Singletrack or Bike Park.

Find the Vasa Bike Park trailhead at 4450 Bartlett Road in Williamsburg. The Vasa Singletrack trailhead is located at 5450 Supply Road in Traverse City.

Glacial Hills Pathway

Glacial Hills Pathway is a network of more than 30 miles of singletrack sitting on nearly 800 acres in Antrim County.

“Glacial Hills is great because of its fast, flowy trails through the wooded forest and its proximity to downtown Bellaire,” notes Reicha. “With over 10 suggested routes with varying difficulty and distances, everyone can find what they’re looking for.”

The trail was built into glacier-carved hills (thus the name) segment by segment, growing from a 1/2-mile loop to the mountain biking mecca it is today. The terrain at Glacial Hills varies from beginner to intermediate and offers up to 400 feet in elevation change. (Bonus: Certain trails lead to views of nearby Lake Bellaire to the south.) The trail is groomed for winter access, too.

If you don’t want to ride solo, head to Facebook (@glacialhillstrails and @NMMBA) to connect with biking groups that use the Pathway.

And, should you need a little extra boost for your ride, know this: Last year Glacial Hills adapted their trail etiquette rules to allow Class 1 electric bikes, or low-speed, pedal-assisted bikes that top out at 20 miles per hour. (Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed.)

Glacial Hills Pathway is located just west of Bellaire. You can access the trail from three different trailheads on Eckhardt Road, Vandemark Road, and Orchard Hill Road.

Cadillac Pathway

Northeast of Cadillac, the aptly named Cadillac Pathway offers 13 miles of well-marked trail that loops through pine and hardwood-covered state lands. This trail is home to the Bear Claw Epic, a family-friendly, multi-lap mountain biking race held each year.

Cadillac Pathway’s terrain ranges from flat to hilly and offers something for any experience level, from beginner to advanced. And the Pathway is more than just a great trail—it’s also the perfect place to hang out after a ride. The trailhead boasts a beautiful pavilion and stone fireplace so you can refuel with a picnic. Not only that—you can cool your feet in the nearby Clam River after a hot ride.

In the winter, Cadillac Pathway is groomed for walking, cross-country skiing, and fat biking.

You can access the Cadillac Pathway via its primary trailhead at 3736 S Seeley Rd in Cadillac.​​ Note: A Recreation Passport is required for parking at the trailhead.

High Country Pathway

“Those looking for true wilderness adventure biking should try out the High Country Pathway,” suggests Reicha. A roughly 80-mile trail navigating northern Michigan’s wooded lands, the High Country Pathway is an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) “Epic” trail, meaning it’s a true backcountry adventure.

The High Country Pathway makes for an isolated ride, winding through Pigeon River Country State Forest in Montmorency and Otsego counties. The trail includes boardwalks, a river crossing, and plenty of wildlife—like elk, beavers, and bears. Riders should be familiar with off-grid navigation and prepare for a rugged, slow ride.

While it could be completed in one very long day, the High Country Pathway is a popular multi-day bikepacking route. There are nine state forest campgrounds along the way, so refilling water is easy. (You’ll need to pack in all your own food, though.)

You can access the High Country Pathway from several state forest campgrounds or the Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters at 9966 Twin Lakes Road in Vanderbilt.

Kalkaska Mountain Bike Trails

Kalkaska is not only home to the start of the legendary Iceman Cometh Challenge mountain bike race, but it also offers 12 miles of beginner-friendly singletrack, two-track, and gravel routes, including a loop around Smith Lake, that the NMMBA manages. While some loops are well-marked, there are also plenty of unmarked connectors.

Reicha notes there’s more on the way: “We have also been working with Twin Birch Golf Club in Kalkaska to build singletrack mountain bike and hiking trails on their property. We anticipate having approximately 10 miles completed by the end of summer 2024.”

You can access Kalkaska’s mountain bike trails from the Park’n’Ride lot at 1706 W Kalkaska Road—racers will be familiar with the location as the start of the Iceman race.