Riley - Mountain Bike Trail

Beginners new to biking usually feel out of place riding on most trails as they find it quite challenging. Riley Trails, however, is one place where beginners can feel at home, as the trail is highly beginner friendly. For a trail that is just a few years old, it is famous for single-track mountain biking. 

Riley Trails, found in Michigan with a length of 9.7 km, is quite the hotspot for bikers starting their riding journey due to its singletrack outlook. Continue reading to know more about this fantastic trail. 

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Only a few things beat the feeling of freedom that comes with biking on a large expanse of land, and with Riley Trail, such is made possible. The trail consists of 300 acres of rolling terrain, pine plantations and beech-maple forest. Due to the natural vegetation on the trail, you get to admire nature and its beauty while biking. With its 40-acre grass mound, the trail is a famous destination for fat bikes during winter. 

Since it is designed for beginners, the trailhead opens up at its parking lot, after which the loop network takes you through a forest area pretty close to Holland, Michigan and over a pond. The trail comprises four segments of short climbs and descents just right for various skill levels. Its terrain is flat, and its wooded areas feature meadows, marches, pines and hardwoods. 

One unique thing about this trail is that it is often the destination trail during the rainy seasons, as its sandy soil drains moisture easily and quickly. With an elevation gain of 74 up, elevation loss of 68 down and a singletrack path that runs around the trail, it is an ideal fit for new riders. 

Additional Trail Features

Asides from having a gentle terrain with pines and beech-maple all around the trail, riders also encounter a pond and run over bridges across creeks. Its sandy soil, usually dry except during the rainy season, makes riding easy as the bike tires are firmly planted while riding.

Recommendations/Precautions

Although dogs and pets are allowed on this trail, they should be kept on a leash and held closely. It would help if you also rode with enough water supplies, as staying hydrated is vital, especially during summer. Even with the simple and flat terrain, riders should be cautious and keep a first aid kit handy for emergencies. 

Sights of Interest

This route passes through a picturesque pine forest. The park has a small but beautiful lake. Visitors love this landscape with tall pine trees, so you can meet here not only cyclists, but also hikers.

Conclusion 

The Riley Trails suits you if you are new to mountain biking and riding. From its flat rolling terrain and grass mounds to short climbs and descents, this trail will make beginners have fun even with their little skills. So when you think of the right trail to start your biking experience, Riley Trail should come to mind first.