
Best Mountain Biking Trails in Northern Michigan
When many people think of top mountain biking in Northern Michigan, they immediately think of Marquette, and the Upper Peninsula. They are undoubtably awesome, however, 6 hours less drive time can give you some surprising trails right in the heart of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Rides from all across the midwest love these trails as they offer similar challenges compared to those in the U.P. but are much closer to home, meaning, more time on the trails, less time in the car.
Top Mountain Bike/Fat Tire Trails in the Region:
- Arcadia Dunes Trails
- Betsie River Pathway
- Big M Recreation Area (Groomed Winter Fat Tire)
- Cadillac Pathway (Groomed Winter Fat Tire)
- Crystal Mountain Resort Trails
- Lake Ann Pathway
- Ludington School Forest (Groomed Winter Fat Tire)
- Mackenzie Trail Loop
The “Essential 9”
MTB/FAT Checklist
- Navigation (compass or gps)
- Sun Protection
- Spare Tube & Pump/Air Shot
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First Aid Kit
- Portable Rain Gear
- Multi-tool
- Nutrition
- HYDRATION!









Access the top MTB/Fat Tire Trails in the Region
Click on a marker to select and learn more about the trail.
Arcadia Dunes Trail Networks
Big-M Recreation Area Trail Network
Mackenzie Trail Network
Ludington School Forest
Betsie River Pathway
Cadillac Pathway
Lake Ann Pathway
Crystal Mountain Resort Trails

Unplug. Explore. Michigan's Great Outdoors.
The Michigan's Great Outdoors collaborative consists of five Northern Michigan counties all working together to promote tourism in the region. With so many hiking, biking, winter sports, and ORV trails in the region that dynamically connect these counties, this site is devoted to educate the first-time visitor to the region looking to explore the great outdoors for the first time. We welcome you to browse this site and explore all this region has to offer.