Biking

Lake County is a mountain biker’s paradise. The historic North Country National Scenic Trail, on its way from New York to North Dakota, runs right through Lake County. It offers excellent mountain biking for all skill levels as close as a 10 minute drive from Baldwin. The Trail is divided into segments A, B, C, and D with A being the farthest north (and the most challenging) in the scenic Hodenpyl Dam area. It then winds south to the Hardy/Croton Dam area.

Intermittently scattered on the North Country Trail are a few short sections designated as “no bike” use. Don’t let this bother you. These sections are located between trail heads so bikers find avoiding them is not a problem. For more information on the Lake County sections, go here.

The Big M Trail is another trail that offers some of the best riding in Michigan. Along with the North Country Trail, the Big M offers some of the best riding you’ll find in Michigan…for all skill levels.

The loops within the scenic hardwood and pine Manistee National Forest and range in length from approximately 6 miles to one continuous loop that is 26 miles. The loops are interconnected so riding loop to loop offers endless miles. Trails are maintained by volunteers and the Forest Service and are typically in excellent condition. Segment B of the North Country Trail also runs north/south through the Big M with the Udell North Country trailhead being near the north rim of the Big M and the Freesoil trailhead to the South.

In mid June the Big M is also home to the LumberJack 100 National Ultra MTB Race & the Michigan Single Speed Championship which features four 25 miles loops and 8000 total feet of elevation gain. Riders from all around the country attend this race.

Big M fees: none but $5.00 daily fee appreciated. Donation box located near trail head.

Open for Biking: April 15th-Sept 30th. Rider Skill Level: With the trails being well maintained, beginners should have no fear. In particular, some of the shorter loops are friendly to entry level riders. Advanced & Intermediate riders, challenge yourself on the longer loops. You won’t be disappointed. After all, national races are run on this trail system.