Biking Delta County

The Central Upper Peninsula offers various trails, each with its own unique destination. We have provided overviews of all of our favorite trails in Delta County for the long-time outdoor adventurer and the beginner! 

Escanaba

The City of Escanaba has created a 4.54 mile network of bicycle paths within the city, enabling bikers to ride safely off the motor vehicle pavement. The paths traverse the perimeter of Ludington Park, around the municipal dock and then along 1st Avenue North. The path also runs along Lincoln Road from Lake Shore Drive to the north city limit on Danforth Road. There is also a loop that circles the west side of Escanaba, westward on Old State Road to South 30th, then to 5th Avenue South and back to South Lincoln Road.

Each year additional miles are paved. The long term plan is to provide a safe network of bike paths throughout the city and eventually to Gladstone.

Here are three suggested routes that you can take in this bikeable city:

•  Follow the perimeter of Ludington Park, around the municipal dock and then along 1st Ave. North
• Take Lake Shore Drive, along Lincoln Rd. to the north city limit on Danforth Rd.
• Go west on Old State Rd. to South 30th, then to 5th Avenue South and back to South Lincoln Rd.

Day's River Pathway

This popular trail is considered one of the best in the U.P. Five loops offer increasing difficulty; first two loops are kid-friendly. Several single tracks off the main path give added challenges for mountain bikers. Main trail winds along the Days River through pine, spruce and cedar ridges of the Escanaba River State Forest. Look for white-tailed deer, songbirds, hawks, eagles and other wildlife along the way. Trailhead 3 mi. NW, US-2 & Days River Road.

The short trail winds through cedar and oak stands along the mouth of the Days River. Tree identification markers are located along the trail North of Gladstone on North Lake Shore Drive.

The postcard scenery and rolling hills on the Days River Pathway makes this one the most popular trails on the Bays de Noc. It winds along side of the Days River through pine, spruce and cedar ridges of the Escanaba River State Forest. The trailhead is located two miles northwest of US Highway 2 & 41 between Gladstone and Rapid River.

Little Bay de Noc Trail

Situated on the western shoreline of Little Bay de Noc, the Little Bay de Noc Trail stretches between the cities of Gladstone and Escanaba in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This well-maintained multipurpose pathway, paved with smooth asphalt, begins its journey at the trailhead located in Van Cleve Park. Trail users can take advantage of the park's amenities, including bike racks, a bike repair station, and water fountains. Following a route parallel to Lakeshore Drive, the trail then heads south along US 41/ SR 35, meandering along the water's edge. Along the way, visitors can find benches and overlooks, offering picturesque spots to pause and take in the uninterrupted views of the bay.

Reflecting a 15-year vision, the Little Bay de Noc Trail has received immense support from the local community. In fact, the construction of the trail was partially funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign, demonstrating the enthusiasm and dedication of the community toward this project.

RIDE WITH LOCALS 

People of the Little and Big Bay de Noc spend many hours hitting the trails on bikes. So don’t be shy and join them! This is a great family experience and we encourage children to ride the trails with an adult. Here are two bicycling groups that you can ride with:

906 Adventure Team

906 Adventure Team is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower youth to be the best versions of themselves through outdoor adventure. They don't just teach bike skills; they teach life skills by prioritizing effort, embracing failure, developing positive habits and encouraging youth to focus on the journey. For more information about the organization and the Adventure Team - Delta County, visit www.906adventureteam.com.

Mr. Bike Group Rides

Join Mr. Bike and Ski for a group ride. At 6:00 p.m. beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day and ending on the Tuesday after Labor Day, meet with other riders at Mr. Bike & Ski Shop. All levels of riders are welcome. Three routes range from 40-50 miles, 25-30 miles, and under 20 miles. Riders return to the bike shop or stop at Hereford & Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub for a beer and burger. Visit their website for more info.

Photo by: 906 Adventure Team

Need a bike, accessories, or repairs?

Mr. Bike & Ski Shop, 1016 Ludington St., Downtown Escanaba - service, sales, rentals and gear The local hub that connects people to an active lifestyle and outdoor community - Since 1985

The Beaten Path, 1015 Ludington St., Escanaba – bikes, accessories, and repairs

Brampton Bike & Ski Shop, 910 Delta Ave., Gladstone – bikes, accessories, rentals, and repairs