The best MTB trails in Ottawa County

The Upper Macatawa Mountain Bike Trails offer a dynamic ride through a varied landscape of hardwood forests, open meadows, and wetlands. You'll navigate over five miles of singletrack featuring technical elements like tight turns, root sections, and flowing berms, with views of the Macatawa River from several bridges. It's an engaging experience that feels longer than its 4.1 miles (6.6 km), providing a fun challenge for riders comfortable with singletrack.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but remember that the trail direction alternates daily, so check the trailhead sign. The clay-based surface means the trails can close after heavy rains, so always check conditions before you go. Access is free, and the park connects to other regional trail systems, making it a great hub for longer rides.

This trail system is a significant destination for mountain biking in the Holland area, notable as the first specifically designed for mountain biking within an Ottawa County Park. Maintained by the Michigan Edge Mountain Biking Alliance (MEMBA), it offers an easy 127 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain over its 33-minute duration, making it accessible while still providing plenty of engaging features.

Winding through picturesque beech-maple forests and striking pine plantations, the Riley Trails Park loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience that feels both immersive and accessible. This easy 13.2-mile (21.3 km) ride, with just 106 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick, scenic outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though it's worth noting the trail is multi-use, so you'll share it with hikers and runners. The sandy base means it drains exceptionally well after rain, often being one of the first trails rideable in the area, but be mindful of potential sand traps in drier conditions. Check for daily rotational direction changes before you start your ride.

Riley Trails Park is widely considered a gateway mountain biking trail, perfect for beginners and families looking to introduce kids to the sport. Its gentle climbs and flowy sections provide just enough engagement without being overly technical, and it's a popular spot for winter fat biking when groomed.

Embark on the White Pine Trail – White Pine Trail loop from The Delta Plex and discover a diverse mountain biking experience that blends Michigan's natural beauty with its rail-trail heritage. This moderate 24.9 miles (40.0 km) route, with a gentle 665 feet (203 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a tapestry of open farmland and serene wooded sections, where you'll encounter impressive white pine trees. The trail's surface varies from paved to gravel, grass, and dirt, offering a dynamic ride that keeps things interesting over its estimated 2 hours and 22 minutes duration.

For planning your mountain biking adventure, consider that while the White Pine Trail is generally accessible, the varied terrain means hybrid or thicker tires are often recommended, especially for the gravel and sand sections. Parking access near The Delta Plex is typically available, though specific details can vary along this extensive rail-trail. The best time to ride is during drier periods to avoid muddy or excessively loose conditions on the unpaved segments, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.

This loop is part of the much larger Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, Michigan's second-longest rail-trail, which follows the historic Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad bed. Its designation as a Pure Michigan Trail highlights its scenic value and connectivity, linking numerous towns and offering glimpses of rivers and valleys. The minimal elevation changes make it physically easy, but the diverse surfaces provide a good challenge for mountain bikers seeking varied conditions.

The Kapp Corner Preserve – Egypt Valley Trail loop offers a flowing mountain biking experience through thick woods and scenic terrain near Grand Rapids. You'll navigate a mix of climbs, descents, and river crossings, with some rooty sections and sandy patches adding to the challenge. The trail follows a nice stream, providing a remote and peaceful atmosphere, making it a local favorite for those seeking a substantial ride.

This moderate 38.1-mile (61.4 km) route involves 1992 feet (607 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes to complete. It's best suited for intermediate riders, though aggressive riders will find sections that test their technical ability. The Delta Plex serves as a convenient starting point with parking available.

Note that the Egypt Valley Trail, located within the Cannonsburg State Game Area, is closed annually from September 15th to February 1st for hunting season, so plan your visit accordingly. The trail is known for its well-built and maintained paths, but be prepared for bugs due to the dense vegetation, especially during warmer months.