The best MTB trails in Washtenaw County

The Border to Border Trail offers a pleasant mountain biking experience, largely following the scenic Huron River through a mix of paved, concrete, and boardwalk sections. You'll ride past natural areas like the Bluffs Nature Area, enjoying a blend of urban and natural environments. It's an easy 6.2-mile (10.0 km) route with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is designed for multi-use and is family-friendly. Access points are numerous across Washtenaw County, and you won't typically need to worry about permits or fees for this section. It's a great option for a casual ride during daylight hours, especially from spring to fall when the weather is mild.

This trail is a key part of a larger, ambitious project to create a continuous non-motorized pathway across Washtenaw County, connecting communities like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. It's also integrated into Michigan's statewide Iron Belle Trail, highlighting its importance in the region's active transportation network. The ongoing development means new sections are regularly added, enhancing its connectivity.

The Big Kame – Green Lake loop near Lyndon Township, Michigan, offers a dynamic mountain biking experience that transitions from smooth, beginner-friendly flow to more technical intermediate terrain. You'll enjoy scenic views along Green Lake and through wetlands before tackling the more rugged Big Kame section, which features significant climbs, descents, roots, rocks, and even some jumps. The trail system is known for its machine-groomed singletrack and impressive scenery, including glacially sculpted hillsides and old-growth hardwoods.

Planning your ride on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail requires a recreation passport for access. Be sure to check the trailhead kiosks for the daily changing direction of travel for mountain bikers, as this system alternates to manage traffic and ensure safety. This helps you plan your approach to the 9.1-mile (14.7 km) route, which typically takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete.

This moderate route stands out for its progressive difficulty, allowing riders to build skills from the easier Green Lake section to the more challenging Big Kame. The area's unique geological formations, like the prominent Big Kame itself, contribute to the trail's character and offer rewarding vistas. It's a well-built and clearly marked trail, making it a top-rated mountain biking option in the Green Lake area for those seeking both beauty and a bit of a challenge.

Explore the diverse landscapes of the Barton Nature Area – Argo Dam Railway Bridge loop, a moderate mountain biking route that offers a rich blend of natural beauty and varied terrain. As you pedal, you'll pass through dense wooded areas, open prairies, and wetlands, all while enjoying picturesque views of the Huron River, Argo Pond, and Barton Pond. The trail is primarily unpaved single-track, providing an engaging ride for those seeking a natural escape, with the century-old Barton Dam serving as a prominent landmark along the way.

This 19.1-mile (30.8 km) loop, with 836 feet (255 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete, making it a great option for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers in Ann Arbor. Before you go, remember to check for any local park advisories, as some sections of the Barton Nature Area trails might be affected by construction until June 2027. The area is popular for wildlife viewing and photography, especially around sunset.

The Barton Nature Area is a significant part of Ann Arbor's natural heritage, connecting to the broader Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail network and other natural areas like Bird Hills. Its varied ecosystems, from emergent marshland to mesic forest, support a wide array of plant and animal life, making every ride a chance to discover something new. This route is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Huron River corridor.

The Portage River – Silver Lake loop from Toboggan Hill offers a diverse mountain biking experience, guiding you through wooded areas and potentially offering scenic glimpses of Silver Lake. Expect a mix of flowing singletrack and sections with small roots, providing an engaging ride that balances natural beauty with fun, varied terrain. This route is designed for riders who enjoy covering distance and appreciate a journey through changing landscapes.

To plan your ride, confirm the specific trailhead and parking information for this unique loop, as it combines elements from various areas. Since it's a moderate 29.3-mile (47.1 km) route with 1178 feet (359 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes, make sure to bring ample water and snacks. Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for tackling this trail, ensuring dry and enjoyable riding.

This route provides a great opportunity to explore the Michigan landscape, combining the potential for serene lake views with the dynamic feel of trails that might feature some fun descents. It's a solid choice for intermediate riders looking for a substantial outing that isn't overly technical, allowing you to enjoy the ride and the surrounding environment.

The Pinckney State Recreation Area – Portage River loop offers a true Michigan mountain biking adventure, winding through diverse, glacier-carved landscapes. You'll navigate dense pine forests, lush hardwoods, and wetlands, often catching picturesque views of the Portage River as it connects Watson Lake and Halfmoon Lake. Expect a challenging ride with plenty of rooty singletrack, technical sections, and a mix of fast descents and steep climbs, making it ideal for experienced riders.

Planning your visit means heading to the popular Pinckney State Recreation Area, where parking can fill up quickly on busy days, so an early start is recommended. While the park is accessible year-round, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall typically offer the most pleasant weather for tackling this demanding route. Be prepared for a substantial outing, as this 32.0-mile (51.5 km) loop with 1084 feet (330 metres) of elevation gain is rated moderate and takes around 4 hours to complete.

Pinckney State Recreation Area holds a significant place in Michigan's mountain biking history, being one of the first parks to embrace off-road cycling in the mid-1980s. This area stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and rugged, "old school" trails that prioritize natural features over heavily machine-built paths. It's a destination that attracts over 115,000 riders annually, drawn to its extensive system and the serene escape it provides.

This easy 8.1-mile (13.1 km) mountain biking loop through Pinckney State Recreation Area offers a fantastic introduction to the region's trails, taking just over an hour with 327 feet (100 metres) of elevation gain. You'll wind through lush forests and wetlands, catching glimpses of Silver Lake and Pickerel Lake. The terrain features a fun mix of fast sections, short climbs, and classic Michigan roots and rocks, providing an engaging ride without being overly technical. It's a perfect option for beginner mountain bikers or anyone looking for a quick, scenic outing.

To plan your visit, remember that a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry to Pinckney State Recreation Area. Parking is readily available at various trailheads, including those near Silver Lake. Riding the loop in a clockwise direction is recommended to minimize conflicts with other trail users. For the best experience, consider visiting during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty of the area is at its peak.

The Pinckney State Recreation Area is renowned for its unique blend of landscapes, shaped by the last glaciation period, resulting in rolling hills and diverse ecosystems. While this specific Pickerel Lake – Silver Lake loop provides an easier experience, it's part of a larger network that includes the challenging Potawatomi Trail, a favorite among advanced riders. This route offers a taste of that natural beauty and the thrill of singletrack riding in a more approachable format, showcasing the area's dense forests and sparkling lakes.