Boyne Mountain

Boyne Mountain Trails: A Highs and Lows Experience in Boyne Falls, Michigan

Quick Facts

• Distance: 10 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Route Type: Network
• Location: Boyne Falls, Michigan

Introduction

Situated in Boyne Falls, the Boyne Mountain Trails offer a comprehensive network of biking routes that tick a lot of boxes for diverse mountain biking experiences. Covering a range of terrains and difficulties, these trails, when executed well, can deliver a great ride. However, they come with their own set of drawbacks, which may have you second-guessing the trail markings more than once.

How to Get There

Boyne Mountain is accessible via Route 131, approximately one mile south of Boyne Falls, Michigan. Once you turn into the entrance from 131, head past the indoor water park toward the tennis courts; that's where you'll find the trailhead.

Trail Layout: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Multi-Level Loop Options

At Boyne Mountain, expect to find a variety of loops designated by catchy names like 'Stairway,' 'Rootsville,' 'Climb Time,' and 'Outback.' These sections are helpfully labeled according to their difficulty levels, giving riders an idea of what they're getting into.

Terrain & Technical Features

The trails are diverse in terrain; from tight single tracks to wider nature paths. Highlights include some fun downhill sections and less challenging but flowy trails. With options to take the chairlift to the top of Boyne Mountain, the thrill of downhill biking can be had with less uphill effort.

Poor Signage & Maintenance

Regrettably, poor trail markings and maintenance are recurring complaints. Riders should be prepared for the unexpected—from fallen trees to overgrown thorny vegetation. Multiple reports of poor signage make it easy to get lost or turned around.

Hours, Entry Fees & Rentals

• Hours: Daily but variable chairlift timings. Contact the Adventure Center at 231.549.7256 for specifics.
• Fees: Free trail access, chairlift charges are $5 for a single ride and $10 for unlimited rides for non-house guests.
• Rentals: Mountain bike rentals are available at the Boyne Mountain Boyne Country Sports store.

What to Keep in Mind

• Terrain Diversity: This trail system is rich in different types of terrain, from rocky to sandy.
• Elevation: The trail incorporates uphill segments, but they're made bearable thanks to the available chairlift service.
• Signage: Navigate with caution as the trails are not marked optimally.

Final Thoughts

Boyne Mountain Trails offer a versatile riding experience that's marred by poor maintenance and signage. Riders ready to overlook these issues are rewarded with thrilling descents and a variety of trail types that range from leisurely to challenging. With a location close to other biking destinations and scenic loops, it's a spot that has the potential to be a true biking haven, provided attention is given to its shortcomings.