
Ludington School Forest Trails
A hidden gem for mountain bikers and hikers, offering well-maintained singletrack and peaceful forest trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer bugs

Ludington School Forest Trails
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer bugs

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem for mountain bikers and hikers, offering well-maintained singletrack and peaceful forest trails.
"Surprisingly fun single-track near Ludington. Track is unique in design consisting of a "spine" with several branch loops off of it."

🚴♀️ Bike Trail Etiquette
Yield to oncoming riders & hikers. Announce yourself on blind corners. Enjoy the flow!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Essential for enjoying the woods, especially during warmer months. Don't forget it!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Spine Trail
Central trail system
A well-organized, bidirectional singletrack offering a fun, flowy ride with gentle climbs and descents.

Color-Coded Loops
Branching off the main trail
Explore green, orange, blue, and red loops for varied experiences, including optional 'hard' sections.

Natural Encounters
Throughout the forest
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the changing scenery in this beautiful Michigan woodland.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette is Key
Gear Up for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚴♀️ Bike Trail Etiquette
Yield to oncoming riders & hikers. Announce yourself on blind corners. Enjoy the flow!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Essential for enjoying the woods, especially during warmer months. Don't forget it!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Great for walking, jogging, or biking. Ensure good grip and ankle support.
🗺️ Check Trail Maps
Loops can be bidirectional. Know your route, especially if venturing across the road.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚴♀️ Bike Trail Etiquette
Yield to oncoming riders & hikers. Announce yourself on blind corners. Enjoy the flow!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Essential for enjoying the woods, especially during warmer months. Don't forget it!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Great for walking, jogging, or biking. Ensure good grip and ankle support.
🗺️ Check Trail Maps
Loops can be bidirectional. Know your route, especially if venturing across the road.
🐶 Dog Walking Allowed?
While not explicitly stated, many visitors walk dogs. Keep them leashed and clean up after them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ludington School Forest Trails for their fun, flowy singletrack, making them a gem for mountain bikers. Hikers appreciate the easy, well-maintained paths through a beautiful forest setting. While the bidirectional nature of the trails requires awareness, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a great outdoor escape for families and individuals alike.
"In terms of mtb trails, this is a little gem. Park st the disc golf Course and ride west, you'll find some great squiggly singletracks through the woods. The trail has multiple loops which are color coded:, think of the green as the main loop and orange and blue and red side loops. Red does continue across the road so look at the maps closely before you head out. With planning and a little street riding you can get to a couple other trails nearby turning a nice trail into an epic adventure.
The trail itself is firm loam with sandy places, and plenty of roots, there's even a couple little loops towards the beginning that have rock features and a little wooden whoopdy, but you can skip these loops if you're not there for thrills.
Almost any bike that is upright with good brakes and knobby tires should be able to handle this except a road bike or maybe a cruiser with too narrow of tires. I rode my modern full squish and was way over-biked but that bike is my love so I didn't care. It was just nice to be pedaling in the woods. There are a couple small hills to keep it interesting but nothing crazy. As with all adventures in northern Michigan woods, bring bug spray in case you have a mechanical.
I did not notice if dogs are allowed but didn't look for that info. Keep an eye out for hikers, and do beware of overly talkative disc golfers at the start of the trail."
Tom Pitts
"It’s a very nice easy trail. Perfect for families. It does intertwine with frisbee golf. Would recommend. The only reason I give it three stars. It is completely fat. It is a nice walk through the forest."
Ray r
"Nicely groomed trails for the most part. Great for a walk or jog. Lots of critters to watch. I noticed some bike trails crisscrossing the regular trail as well."
Kate Weatherwax
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trails are located near the Ludington disc golf course. Park there and head west to find the trailheads. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering easy access to nature.
Yes, parking is available at the disc golf course, which serves as the primary access point for the trails. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
Public transport options are limited in this area. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Ludington School Forest Trails. Consider ride-sharing if you don't have a car.
While Ludington State Park is nearby and offers extensive hiking and camping, the School Forest Trails are a separate system, best accessed via the disc golf course parking lot. Some bike trails do connect across the road, offering potential for longer adventures.
The trails feature a main 'spine' with several color-coded loops. It's recommended to familiarize yourself with a trail map, as some sections are bidirectional and can be confusing if you're not paying attention.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Ludington School Forest Trails is free. It's a public access area, making it an accessible outdoor activity for everyone.
The trails are generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy them throughout the day. There are no specific closing times posted, but it's best to finish your activity before dark.
Parking at the disc golf course is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signs regarding parking regulations, especially during peak seasons.
No, the trails are first-come, first-served. There's no need to reserve spots, but arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays can help avoid crowds.
There are no official restrictions on group sizes for casual use of the trails. However, for organized events, it's advisable to check with local authorities or park management.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trails are mostly firm loam with some sandy patches and roots. There are gentle climbs and descents, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Some loops offer optional 'hard' sections with minor rock features.
Yes, the trails are considered very nice and easy, perfect for families. The main loops are not overly challenging, and the forest setting is engaging for kids.
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here. While not explicitly stated as dog-friendly, it's a common practice. Ensure your dog is leashed and you clean up after them.
You can expect to see various critters and wildlife in the forest. Keep an eye out for birds, squirrels, and other woodland creatures as you explore.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the disc golf course parking area. It's advisable to check for their operational status, especially outside of peak season.
📸 📸 Photography
The winding singletrack through the trees offers beautiful dappled light for photography. Look for scenic overlooks and areas with interesting root systems or moss-covered logs. The changing seasons also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Wildlife sightings are possible, but they can be elusive. Patience and a good zoom lens are helpful. Early mornings and late afternoons often offer the best chances for spotting animals.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most flattering light for landscape and trail photography. Midday can be harsh, but the forest canopy offers some shade.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the park management regarding drone operation policies before flying. Respect privacy and avoid disturbing wildlife.
While there aren't major landmarks like in a state park, the intricate network of trails themselves, with their natural curves and forest backdrop, makes for compelling photographic subjects. Focus on the textures and light within the woods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Mountain Bikers
🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Joggers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mountain Biking the Singletrack
The terrain is a mix of firm loam, sandy patches, and roots, with occasional small rock features and a wooden whoopdy on some of the more thrilling loops. While you won't find extreme technical challenges, the fast, flowy nature of the track with its gentle climbs and fun downhills makes for an enjoyable ride. Most upright bikes with good brakes and knobby tires are suitable, though a full-suspension bike might feel like overkill. Remember to bring bug spray, as the Michigan woods can be buggy, especially during warmer months.
For those looking to extend their adventure, there's potential to connect with other nearby trails by riding on the road. This can transform a nice trail ride into an epic exploration. Always keep an eye out for hikers and be mindful of disc golfers at the trailhead, as they can be quite talkative.
Hiking and Walking the Trails
While the trails are primarily known for biking, hikers are encouraged to be aware of cyclists, especially on the bidirectional loops. Announcing your presence and staying alert can prevent any unexpected encounters. The forest setting provides a serene backdrop, and the well-organized trails ensure you can navigate with ease. It's a great place to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh Michigan air, and enjoy a relaxing outdoor experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit