Big M Cross-Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trail

The Big "M" trail is a 37.9 mile loop trail system located in a canopy of hardwoods off of M-55 between Manistee and Cadillac. The trail offers a variety of terrain to challenge every biking and skiing experience level as you traverse up and down hills through the woods. Mountain Biking. Most of the 25-miles of single track trail are one-way (clock-wise) and should not be biked backwards. The bike trail is open from April to September. Winter Fat-Biking the groomed outer-loop is maintained by Shoreline Cycling Club. Cross-Country Skiing. The 18-miles of trail are groomed and the parking lot is plowed in winter, usually starting in December. There is also a chalet available for skiers. Snowfall averages 130 inches from December to March, but the best skiing is usually in January and February. One loop provides several miles of ungroomed trail that is is perfect for snowshoeing. Although the trail is primarily used by Mountain Bikers, it is open to hiking. The trail runs near, but is not connected to, the North Country National Scenic Trail for a short stretch. The Marzinski Horseback Riding Trail also crosses the Big M trail at two locations.