This trail is fucking amazing. While Highland is my favorite singletrack in the Lower Peninsula, this is probably my favorite ride so far. Scenic, big climbs, big downhills. You can even camp right off the trail as well for free, seeing as it's the NCT. Park at Marilla Trailhead and go down to Red Bridge, and if you're feeling it, continue on to Dillings Rd and back. There are some monster climbs here, and some stupidly fast descents. I wish I didn't have 800mm bars for this one, cause there were a few trees I clipped on downhills that easily could've bucked me down the side of a ravine, haha. Anyways, ride this asap because you won't be disappointed.
This may be my only lower Michigan trail that I give 5 stars. The trail is an out and back section of the North Country Trail. There are some great climbs and great descents. This may be the only trail in lower MI where you can climb 100 feet per mile. There are some nice views and it is amazing in the fall. The section is actively hiked and is first and foremost a hiking trail. Please be courteous to hikers do this remains open to bikes.
The North Country Trail between Dilling Road and Beers Road is open to bikes, and it's a blast to ride! As it's a hiking and biking trail, you'll likely encounter foot traffic, especially on weekends, so be careful when coming around blind corners and blasting long downhills.
The trail itself is not very tight or twisty, and the track is generally a bit wider than bike-specific singletrack, although there are very few sections of true two-track. But what the trail lacks in true technical challenge it makes up for in terrain variety. There are few level sections on the trail, and the climbs and downhills are usually long and at a moderate grade. The speed gained from flying down a hill can usually be carried into the ensuing climb, and the thin understory of the mature forest allows for riders to easily scan for what lies ahead. Those used to the lesser relief of the southern areas of the Lower Peninsula will definitely have their fitness tested on the NCT, but I'd venture to say I haven't been on a trail in the LP that's more fun than this section.
This is a great old school cross country trail. Definately a must ride.
| ThankThis trail is fucking amazing. While Highland is my favorite singletrack in the Lower Peninsula, this is probably my favorite ride so far. Scenic, big climbs, big downhills. You can even camp right off the trail as well for free, seeing as it's the NCT. Park at Marilla Trailhead and go down to Red Bridge, and if you're feeling it, continue on to Dillings Rd and back. There are some monster climbs here, and some stupidly fast descents. I wish I didn't have 800mm bars for this one, cause there were a few trees I clipped on downhills that easily could've bucked me down the side of a ravine, haha. Anyways, ride this asap because you won't be disappointed.
| ThankThis may be my only lower Michigan trail that I give 5 stars. The trail is an out and back section of the North Country Trail. There are some great climbs and great descents. This may be the only trail in lower MI where you can climb 100 feet per mile. There are some nice views and it is amazing in the fall. The section is actively hiked and is first and foremost a hiking trail. Please be courteous to hikers do this remains open to bikes.
| ThankThe North Country Trail between Dilling Road and Beers Road is open to bikes, and it's a blast to ride! As it's a hiking and biking trail, you'll likely encounter foot traffic, especially on weekends, so be careful when coming around blind corners and blasting long downhills.
The trail itself is not very tight or twisty, and the track is generally a bit wider than bike-specific singletrack, although there are very few sections of true two-track. But what the trail lacks in true technical challenge it makes up for in terrain variety. There are few level sections on the trail, and the climbs and downhills are usually long and at a moderate grade. The speed gained from flying down a hill can usually be carried into the ensuing climb, and the thin understory of the mature forest allows for riders to easily scan for what lies ahead. Those used to the lesser relief of the southern areas of the Lower Peninsula will definitely have their fitness tested on the NCT, but I'd venture to say I haven't been on a trail in the LP that's more fun than this section.
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