Fall Tour in MI, route suggestions?
06-22-10, 12:34 PM
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Fall Tour in MI, route suggestions?
We are planning a fall tour in MI. My F-I-L lives in the Grand Rapids area and we are planing to drive there from Chicago and park then head out on the bikes.
I'm not familiar with the area at all. Any suggestions? We would be camping along the way, would like to keep the mileage around 50 miles a day.
Any help would be great!!
I'm not familiar with the area at all. Any suggestions? We would be camping along the way, would like to keep the mileage around 50 miles a day.
Any help would be great!!
06-22-10, 07:34 PM
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I think the best part of the state is the northwest lower peninsula. The Traverse City Cycle Club puts our a great map with favorite trips around the area. https://www.cherrycapitalcyclingclub....odule_id=40089.
Also, if you are on appropriate bikes, the White Pine Trail State Park will get you from Grand Rapids to Cadillac without going on roads. https://www.traillink.com/viewtrail.aspx?AcctID=6016362 It's mostly railroad ballasts, so mountain bikes are needed.
Good luck and don't forget to dress warmly.
John
Also, if you are on appropriate bikes, the White Pine Trail State Park will get you from Grand Rapids to Cadillac without going on roads. https://www.traillink.com/viewtrail.aspx?AcctID=6016362 It's mostly railroad ballasts, so mountain bikes are needed.
Good luck and don't forget to dress warmly.
John
06-23-10, 10:05 AM
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I recommend riding along the Lake michigan coast. I often ride from grand rapids to muskegon on the musketawa trail. north of muskegon, I ride the hart montague trail to pentwater, then continue along the coastline to mackinaw.
The state campgrounds along lake michigan are spaced at mostly convenient intervals. I'll warn you in advance that michigan state parks are crazy expen$ive.
The state campgrounds along lake michigan are spaced at mostly convenient intervals. I'll warn you in advance that michigan state parks are crazy expen$ive.
Last edited by icebiker76; 06-23-10 at 10:23 AM.
06-23-10, 12:17 PM
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We really like Michigan for camping, but as icebiker mentions, the State Parks are a bit pricey. Coming from Ontario, I guess everything is relative.
Depending on your needs, you might want to consider the State Forests instead. I found the following link on the Michigan DNR site that might be helpful.
We stayed at a couple around about Manistee/Traverse City area that were more than adequate for what we needed. (Pit toilets, potable water available). I think they were $15 a night, if memory serves.
Michigan is beautiful in the fall. Just be aware of hunting season, and wear lots of orange.
Depending on your needs, you might want to consider the State Forests instead. I found the following link on the Michigan DNR site that might be helpful.
We stayed at a couple around about Manistee/Traverse City area that were more than adequate for what we needed. (Pit toilets, potable water available). I think they were $15 a night, if memory serves.
Michigan is beautiful in the fall. Just be aware of hunting season, and wear lots of orange.
06-26-10, 09:40 PM
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Did this trip last year just after Labor Day and had a great time with very little traffic. Your options are endless with routes and camping. You can download bike maps from www.michigan.gov/mdot-biking which also lists campgounds, picnic areas, parks, and many other things. Stay along Lake Michigan and travel as far north as possible.
How many days will your trip be?
How many days will your trip be?
06-27-10, 06:48 PM
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The whole Lake Michigan coast is nice for biking. I'd be sure to try to include the "Tunnel of Trees" on M117, near cross village.
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