Fort Custer State Park in Michigan offers a diverse network of mountain biking trails for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to explore the great outdoors, this park has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the trail directions, recommended trails for novice riders, and other essential information to help you plan your next mountain biking adventure at Fort Custer State Park.
Trail Directions for Mountain Biking in Fort Custer State Park
Fort Custer State Park boasts a variety of mountain biking trails, each with its own unique challenges and features. Here’s a breakdown of the main trails and their characteristics:
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Trail | 5 miles | Beginner/Family-Friendly |
| Red Trail | 8.6 miles | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Green Trail | 4.5 miles | Intermediate |
| Blue Loop | 3.5 miles | Beginner |
The Yellow Trail is an excellent choice for beginners and families, with easy access from the campground. The Red Trail, on the other hand, is more challenging and suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, with bypasses available for advanced features.
The Green Trail is a popular option among riders, offering a mix of terrain and obstacles that cater to a range of skill levels. The Blue Loop, located south of the campground, is recommended for novice riders, as it winds around Jackson Hole and Whitford Lake.
Recommended Trails for Novice Riders
If you’re new to mountain biking or looking for a more beginner-friendly experience, the following trails are highly recommended:
Blue Loop
The Blue Loop is an excellent choice for novice riders, as it offers a mix of terrain and obstacles that are manageable for those just starting out. The trail winds around Jackson Hole and Whitford Lake, providing a scenic and enjoyable ride.
Yellow Trail
The Yellow Trail is another great option for beginners and families. With its 5-mile length and easy access from the campground, this trail is perfect for those looking to get a taste of mountain biking in a more relaxed setting.
Trail Access and Restrictions
It’s important to note that the mountain biking trails at Fort Custer State Park have specific directional rules based on the day of the week. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, the Red, Green, and Yellow trails are to be ridden in a counterclockwise direction. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the direction is clockwise.
Additionally, bikes are not allowed on any equestrian-only trails within the park.
Additional Information
Parking and Fees
To access the mountain biking trails at Fort Custer State Park, you’ll need a Michigan State Park Pass. Parking is available at the Fort Custer MTB Parking lot, located at coordinates 42.321588, -85.336099.
Trail Conditions
Before your visit, be sure to check the Trailforks website for the latest trail reports and conditions. This will help you plan your ride and ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Statistics and Details
- Total Trails: 12 mountain bike trails, 28 horse trails, 36 hiking trails, and 36 trail running trails.
- Total Distance: 61 miles of trails.
- Total Descent: 3,339 feet.
- Highest Trailhead: 964 feet.
Local Trail Association and Land Manager
The mountain biking trails at Fort Custer State Park are maintained and managed by the following organizations:
- Local Trail Association: Southwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association (SWMMBA)
- Land Manager: MI DNR – Fort Custer Office
References
- AllTrails. (n.d.). Best mountain biking trails in Fort Custer Recreation Area. Retrieved from https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/michigan/fort-custer-recreation-area–3/mountain-biking
- Michigan DNR. (n.d.). Fort Custer- Yellow, Red & Green Trails Detail. Retrieved from https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=305&type=SPTR
- Southwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association. (n.d.). Fort Custer Mountain Bike Trails. Retrieved from https://www.swmmba.com/trails/fort-custer/
- Trailforks. (n.d.). Fort Custer Recreation Area Mountain Biking Trails. Retrieved from https://www.trailforks.com/region/fort-custer-recreation-area/
- MTB Project. (n.d.). Fort Custer MTB Trails – Singletrack Tour. Retrieved from https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1463588/fort-custer-mtb-trails-singletrack-tour.