Pedal the Big M Trail

Cruise the backcountry's best trails on your trusty two-wheeler.

Mar 4, 2008 Lynda Twardowski


Udell Hills used to be the place downhill skiers went to defy gravity in Manistee County. The ski lifts are long gone, but what remains is a boon to any mountain biker: nearly 50 miles of trail - 26 miles of which is mountain-bike-dedicated single track - snake up, down and around hilly terrain that's tucked beneath a lush canopy of pine and hardwoods and peppered with plenty of stunning vistas. Much of the Big M trail is looped, so it's possible to cruise all afternoon without ever doubling back.

Get gear at Pine River Paddlesports Center (9590 South M-37, 231-862-3471) in Wellston. Then it's time to head for the hills. Fat-tire folks hungry for a challenge will love Big M's Catamount trail. Multiple lung-busting climbs and long, fast descents await, plus a link to Cappers Corner, also called Capper's Peak, which boasts a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Manistee National Forest. The Sky Pilot offers a narrow trail, fast corners, plus a fun jump and easy landing at bottom, making it a favorite among local riders.

Not feeling so hardcore? No problem. The Lumberjack is relatively wide and flat, save for a small downhill about a mile in. The Corkpine trail is another one folks looking for a mellow cruise will love. If your courage climbs over the course of the ride, consider finishing with a roll along the Bushwhacker, a good chunk of which zips along the hillside. Just be warned: One of its downhills has the unofficial name G. Bomber because of its steep grade.

The Big M is located about 18 miles east of Manistee and 7 miles west of Wellston. The trailhead is 3.5 miles south of M-55 on Udell Hills Road. Take note of directional signs at the start of new trails; some are one-way only. Pick up the required $3 parking permit at the lot's fee station. Trails are open to biking April 15 to September 30. (Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing when the snow flies - usually late December through March.) For more information call the Manistee Ranger Station at 231-723-2211.

Lynda Twardowski is assistant editor of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
lmt@traversemagazine.com

Note: This article was first published in June 2006, and was updated for the web February 2008.

Add your comment:

Create an instant account, or please log in if you have an account. Anonymous comments are enabled.
Verification Question. (This is so we know you are a human and not a spam robot.)

What is 1 + 4 ? 

Download our Best Docs Up North PDF to have a handy print version of the Northern Michigan Medical Resource Guide, as well as our articles on the Best Docs Up North.

Download Filmgoer
(4.6MB PDF)



Subscribe Now
 
Marketplace Links