Explore the best rated trails in Bay City, MI. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path and Chippewa Trail. With more than 36 trails covering 360 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I could find neither a recent review, nor anyone who had recently completed this segment, so I decided to bike it myself and report.
This is not paved, and the crushed limestone requires a mountain bike, or fat tires at the least. I used my standard mountain bike and still had considerable fishtailing in areas. Old reviews speak to horse damage; I saw very little evidence of this.
Reed City to Chase is the worst segment, but there is a very nice tavern just south of the trail here that can raise your spirits, and recharge you to keep going west. From Chase the trail is wider, more level, and more amenable to higher speeds. The scenery is primarily US-10 to the north, and tertiary conifer forests to the south, with some stretches completely surrounded by forests.
I saw exactly zero fellow riders or walkers on the trail during my entire foray. Next time I do this route, I would be more comfortable with at least one companion rider.
From UM Flint to Bluebell Beach has to be the worst trail in the state. bumpy, cracked, not maintained asphalt though dilapidated areas. In several area you are directed to ride on the road. Poorly marked. DO NOT RIDE ON THIS SECTION!!!!
The section from UM Flint south is much better but confusing and crosses busy streets. If you insist on riding in Flint this is the section to ride.
At one time this was a great trail but the cracks make it a very bumpy ride. Needs to be repaired.
Enjoyed a peaceful walk and plenty of wildlife viewing
Travelled the southern section to the trail head near the big bridge. Beautiful scenery to include birds, squirrels, snakes, and the Saginaw River. Flat, smooth and quite nice Trail surface. Will definitely return to checkout the northern section of the trail.¿
I started in Imlay City and rode my gravel bike to where the trail ends on Joslyn RD, then rode back to Imlay City. 55 miles round trip Imlay City to Dryden This ride is tough, but doable. It’s grass with somewhat of a singletrack being formed from riding. I rode early October so the grass was short, but I could see it being an issue early season. Just before Leonard is the county shift, and there’s a noticeable differences between the two counties. Dryden to Leonard (only place with water fountain) Singletrack with gradual elevation and it’s a fairly easy ride. The trail will get nicer as you get closer to Leonard. Leonard to the end of the trail Wide gravel path with periods of pavement in the cities. Easy ride
I ride from Midland to Clare, then ride back. It’s a great trail with plenty of stops for restrooms, water fountains, and convenient stores. The trail is fixed in Sanford, and no longer requires navigating around the detour.
The first 12 miles heading north out of Greenville was so bumpy and cracked I was wishing I had my gravel bike vs. my road bike. It smoothed out after that and the trail was fast and relatively nice.
Watch the road crossings. Eventhough they look quiet I found that quite a few of them had traffic.
Overall a pretty nice trail.
The trail is well maintained pavement, and the sides are mowed pretty regularly. It’s kind of boring though without much to look at unless you see passing wildlife. Trailheads on both ends, but no amenities. The trail is pretty flat so I would decide which end you start on based off the wind. 1/2 Mile South on Portsmouth RD has a convenient store, and a country store (look for the trains) with ice cream/deli on the opposite side of the road. I also walk my dog on here, but she sits for bikers so you don’t have to worry about her running in front of you!
I’m a huge fan of this rail trail. Park at the tridge, ride to Clare for lunch, then ride back! There are tunnels under the busy roads near Midland and Clare, but you have to watch out for a few road crossings in between. Water fountains at both ends, Sanford, and Coleman. Little store halfway between Sanford and Coleman. Plenty of restrooms along the trail.
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