Person riding a bike on rocks in a forest

Bust out your wheels and pedal through Kalamazoo, Michigan on an adventurous mountain bike trip. Right now, it’s very easy to bike from South Haven to Kalamazoo (if you can handle the 35-mile trail). Soon, it will be just as easy to bike from Grand Rapids with the River to River Trail. The bike community here in Kalamazoo is very strong, so wherever your pedals start turning, they are sure to find their way to a bike-friendly mountain bike trip in Kalamazoo!

TRAILS

There are plenty of Kalamazoo parks to enjoy, but our trails set us apart from other “bike friendly” places to visit, making Kalamazoo the perfect destination for your mountain biking weekend trip. Novice trail trekkers can take a spin, but even experienced cyclists can be challenged by the beautiful trails! Novice trail trekkers can take a spin, but even experienced cyclists can be challenged by the beautiful trails!

Kal-Haven
Coordinates: 42°19′32″N85°40′08″W

The Kal-Haven Trail is the crown jewel of bike paths in Western Michigan with 34.5 miles of limestone trail, which starts just a few miles from the bustling downtown Kalamazoo. If you’re daring enough to take on the whole trail, you’ll end in the resort beach town of South Haven, where you can connect to another bike route that will take you the 1.1 mile journey to the shores of Lake Michigan! These trails will take you through small towns, miles and miles of covered tree tunnels, fields of menthe, over six bridges and more. The varied terrain and abundance of scenery makes this trail a must-do on your biking trip in Michigan. However, this trail is not just for biking – you can also hike along the trail, ride horses, and snowmobile!

 

Al Sabo Land Preserve
Coordinates: 42° 13′ 44.32″ N, 85° 40′ 0.98″ W

This gorgeous land preserve has over 25 miles of trails, and 7 of these trails are made available to bikers. Bike enthusiasts agree these trails are perfect for all levels of difficulty and the perfect stop on your mountain bike trip. Plus, you can’t beat the scenery with gorgeous meadows, wetlands, and forests.

Learn more about Kalamazoo by following us on Instagram!

 

Fort Custer State Recreation Area
Coordinates: 42° 19′ 6″ N, 85° 20′ 42″ W

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is every mountain biker’s dream, as it’s filled with enjoyment and adventure everywhere you turn! During your mountain bike trip, cyclists can glide through 25-miles of maintained trails at Fort Custer. It’s also a great place for camping, hiking, fishing, and nearly every other outdoor activity you could imagine. When you’re not mountain biking, you can enjoy three lakes, the Kalamazoo River, and a swimming beach!

 

Maple Hill Trail
Coordinates: 42.3369° N, 85.5903° W

During your biking trip in Michigan, consider riding at the Maple Hill Trail if you are a true thrill-seeker. Riders can take on banked turns, tabletops, jumps, and rock features on this 5.5 mile trail. With climbs and descents, this unique trail is a total thrill ride!

 

Kalamazoo River Trail
Coordinates: 42°19′32″N85°40′08″W

When complete, this trail will be 35 miles of paved paradise for non-motorized journeys from Battle Creek to Kalamazoo. Currently, there are about 22 miles complete. If you’re looking to explore more of Michigan during your mountain bike trip, this is the trail for you! Stay tuned for updates!

 

Great Lake to Lake Biking Trail

The Great Lake-to-Lake Trail offers Michigan’s trail users a unique opportunity to experience quiet rural pathways and urban excursions as it winds its way across the southern lower portion of Michigan from shore to shore. Whether a day listening to the birds chirping is on the docket or grabbing a burger and a quick ride is what you’re looking for, the trail offers something for everyone.

 

ORGANIZED RIDES

Weekly Rides with Pedal
This group meets throughout the week with different trails and rides. Check out their schedule to see which one works best for your skill level. It’s free and fun for all ages. All you need is your bike!

 

Plan your trip by learning about places to stay in Kalamazoo 

 

READY TO PLAN YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIP?

Whichever way you decide to bike around Kalamazoo, be sure to use #DiscoverKalamazoo to plan your biking trip in Michigan! Plan your trip and hit the trails. After a day of adventuring and exploring, rest your head at one of our places to stay in Kalamazoo or book one of our specialty hotel packages. Don’t forget to grab some fuel from one of our restaurants, or commemorate your trip by shopping at our local shops