Mountain Biking Near Boyne Mountain
World-class trails. One great home base.
Ask a mountain biker where to ride in northern Michigan, and you'll probably hear Copper Harbor. Ask the locals, and they'll tell you to look a little further south. Between Boyne Mountain's own lift-served downhill trails and the network of singletrack that the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) has built up across our region, the riding scene here covers everything from beginner-friendly loops to panoramic descents. Here's your guide to making the most of it.
Start Here
If you're staying at Boyne Mountain, your first ride is just steps away. Our trail network covers all types of riding, starting with lift-served downhill trails that take you to the summit, so gravity can do the rest. Full-suspension mountain bike rentals and bike haul lift tickets are available through the Adventure Center, along with helmet inspections before you drop in.
Not ready for downhill? Our cross-country trails wind through northern Michigan's forest landscape and offer a range of terrain for all skill levels. And if you want a more relaxed pace, guided e-bike tours are available for an hour of effortless exploring through wooded trails with one of our expert guides leading the way.
The Highlands Bike Park
A short drive up the road in Harbor Springs, our sister resort, The Highlands, runs a dedicated bike park that serious riders make special trips for.
The Highlands Bike Park features lift-served access and designated uphill routes servicing green, blue, black, and double black trails — covering everything from beginner freeride terrain to expert-only lines.
The gravity-fed trails offer a variety of singletrack with minimal pedaling required, featuring step-ups, berms, and bridges across a diverse mix of natural and man-made features.
If you're making a dedicated mountain biking trip to the region, a day at The Highlands belongs on the itinerary.
Just a few miles from the resort in Boyne City, TOMMBA transformed what was once a 4.2-mile loop into a series of eight interconnected singletracks totaling 8.6 miles, ranging from easy to challenging.
The result? Avalanche Preserve, one of the most talked-about trail systems in the region. Riders can expect a downhill flow trail from the overlook to the parking lot with berms, rollers, and tabletops — plus multiple routes to a viewing platform with views of Lake Charlevoix.
The recommended direction is clockwise, and beginner and intermediate riders can put together a solid 4.25-mile route using Roundhouse, Pine Lake, Sidewinder South, and Morel Dilemma to the viewing decks, then Sidewinder Down back to the trailhead.
The parking lot is at 1129 Wilson Street on the south side of Boyne City — easy to find, and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
Boyne Forest Trails
Tucked between Boyne City and Walloon Lake, Boyne Forest Trails has quickly earned its reputation as a local favorite. This singletrack destination offers great riding for beginners and more experienced riders alike.
The system is built as a series of connected loops and can be ridden in both directions. That makes it super easy to navigate and easy to scale up as you go.
The trail network is actively growing too, with additional trails in development on adjacent state-owned property and Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy land that will eventually connect to City of Boyne City property.
Come back in a few years, and there will be even more to explore.
And when you're back for ski season, bring your bike! The trails are groomed for fat tire riding. Just another reason this system has a year-round following.
The main parking and trailhead access is off Old Horton Bay Road.
About TOMMBA
The trails we ride don't maintain themselves — and in this corner of Northern Michigan, that work falls to TOMMBA.
The Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association is a nonprofit serving Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, with a mission to create, enhance, and preserve trail experiences for riders of all levels. One hundred percent of membership dues go directly to developing and maintaining sustainable mountain bike trails.
The trails around here could keep you busy for a week, and Boyne Mountain is in the middle of all of it. Resort trails out the back door, Avalanche Preserve, and Boyne Forest are minutes away.
New to the sport or just want to skip the gear haul? Bike rentals, bike haul lift tickets, and guided e-bike tours are all available on-site. Book your stay and use us as your northern Michigan mountain biking home base.
Sharing the passion of Midwest skiing & travel with anyone who will listen.
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