Kalkaska North Mountain Bike Trail
Total Miles
4.0
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type
Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Trail Overview
Kalkaska North Mountain Bike Trail is a fun bidirectional trail within the Traverse City Forest Management Unit. Located just west of Kalkaska near highway US-131 & M-72, this trail is easily accessible. Starting from the western end of Brown Fire Lane Northwest, you'll start on a thick section of the forest with lush vegetation edging the trail. The trail is very sandy to start. 0.5 miles in this route crosses over the Shore to Shore Horse Trail. If you're unfamiliar, it's a historic ride beginning on the east side of Michigan in Au Sable near Lake Huron and traveling across the state to the west side to Empire near Lake Michigan, traveling 220 miles. As you continue down the trail, you'll twist and turn as you change in elevation. Be sure to take it all in and TREAD LIGHTLY so future generations can enjoy these public spaces. This route boasts expansive views of the logging operations of this forest while reeling you back in through some tight sections of Aspen trees. This trail is sure to keep you entertained. Use caution when navigating this track, as several hiking & mountain biking trails in the area are part of the Smith Lake Loop. Hikers & mountain bikers have been seen directly on this route, so please use caution. Like most of Michigan's off-road trails, conditions are dependent on the weather. Recent rainfall can cause unfavorable conditions on the trail, including downed trees, mud holes, and washouts. Come Prepared! Most of this trail is only wide enough for 1 vehicle, with limited places to pass. This is not a difficult trail at all, but it contains a lot of fun and beauty. This trail also gives access to other great trails nearby. The eastern end of the trail finishes at West Kalkaska Road across from the Little League Fields. Regardless of the conditions of this trail, it's an exciting route to check out! As always, again, PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY and be respectful of our public lands so future generations can have access to these trails!
Photos of Kalkaska North Mountain Bike Trail
Difficulty
This was only given a Technical Rating & Difficulty of 2 due to the trail typically only being wide enough for one to two vehicles. Otherwise, this trail could be rated as a 1.
Status Reports
Kalkaska North Mountain Bike Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:
- High-Clearance 4x4
- SUV
- SxS (60")
- ATV (50")
- Dirt Bike
Kalkaska North Mountain Bike Trail Map
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