Explore the best rated trails in Midland, MI. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Chippewa Trail and Vassar Rail Trail. With more than 26 trails covering 298 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.
This is one of my local trails so I know the route, but I can see how a new rider would get lost because it isn’t marked well at all. I like to park at the trailhead on Young’s Ditch over by Meijer and ride the city loop, then I take the trail up to the state park to ride the trails through the marsh. It totals roughly 30 miles since the trail up to the State Park is an out-and-back trail. Im giving it 3 stars for the public since it isn’t marked well, but I would personally give it 5 stars since I know the route…
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 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.
I really enjoyed this trail everywhere east of Dort Highway. The trails west of Dort aren’t the best, and the area is somewhat sketchy. The people I saw waved at me, but I’m more worried about dogs than people. That’s just me personally. The map is outdated and the trails actually extend pretty far east of where it stops on the map. It extends east of Genesee RD along Stanley RD until Vassar RD. Then, the trail runs along the river from Vassar RD to Richfield Park (Parking available if you want to start here). The trail extends into Richfield Park for about a half mile, then you can follow Gravel Roads, and trails for a few more miles! I rode a gravel bike so I really enjoyed this area! There’s even DIY single track north of the rail trail in the Vassar RD area. Look on the north side of the trail, and you will see multiple access trails. My gravel bike handled them just fine. I wouldn’t try them though unless your an experienced rider because they run along a cliff that overlooks the river and it’s really rooted. You might lose your bike if you slip up! I would give it 5 stars, but the trail west of Dort Highway dropped it to 4.
Trail is not marked very well not sure how one would get a 17 mile ride in. Lots of dead ends very bumpy trail Could of been a wonderful ride. About one mile of river and great scenery. Disappointed that we drove so far for a short ride.
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