Biking may not be a "Michigan" thing, as I can attest that there are wonderful trails all over the country, but it is undoubtedly a Michigan experience when taking these trails. Michigan has an immense amount of natural wonder that is paired so well with the cultural consistency of diversity. The biking trails in this list showcase these areas of interest while providing safe riding terrain and occasional stops along the way for amenities and dining. The index consists of ten, but keep in mind there are TONS within the state. Don’t limit yourself— most of these are attached to other trail systems, so make sure to keep the adventure going!

1) Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

The SBHT runs about 20 miles through Glen Arbor, taking the riders near the famous dunes' footing. This trail system is primarily paved, making it accessible to almost any level of biker. The areas that are not asphalt contain a mix of crushed stone and boardwalk. This trail runs through various terrains aside from the dunes, forests, small towns, and beautiful marshes. If you do decide to take on this trek, make sure you visit the highlight of it all— Port Oneida. An excellent stop to walk around at and appreciate the relics of Northern Michigan.

2) Leelanau Trail

Also located in Northern Michigan, the Leelanau Trail runs from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, taking its riders through a genuine Up North adventure. You will pass by cherry and apple orchards, farms and forests, and alongside the beautiful bay. There are many places to put up camp, whether at hotels in the area or through B&B inns, making it ideal for travelers. Locals enjoy this route as well, as it is a great conditioning path and wholesome family walking/riding trail. If you plan to try it out, make sure you're sporting a local product, such as the Traverse City polish from Northern Nail Polish.

3) Pere Marquette Rail-Trail

The Pere Marquette Rail-Trail is extremely popular for bikers, with a whopping 30 miles of wide-paved trails. This trail will take you from Midland to Clare without ever having to enter a road system. Along the edge of this beautiful trail is the Ginkgo Tree Inn for anyone who takes an interest in biking during their away-from-home travels. This trail offers a wide variety of scenery, from small-town views to wooded forests. Make it a point to stop and check out the historical markers if you have the time to do so!

4) Border-to-Border Trail

This trail system project is still in construction mode, with only various areas open to the public. There are 40 miles of paved (or crushed stone material) biking trails, while another 70 miles is suspected of coming in the near future. There are bed and breakfasts along this route, as well as parks and wooded paths for anyone looking to stretch their legs (it's a joke). This massive system passes through towns such as Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter, as well as follows the path of the Huron River. This trail even passes through areas that are touchingly close to the University of Michigan, for any academic fanatics.

This is not for the faint of heart, though. The system is a part of the Michigan Iron Belle Trail, one of the most intimate biking feats in the state. This is a wild ride of nearly 2,000 miles, going from Detroit to Ironwood of the Upper Peninsula. If you are into distance riding, the B2B trail is a good place to start and can be added to a goal focused on accomplishing the Belle Trail system later on.

5) Hart-Montague Trail

This biking trail is smaller than the previously suggested trails, resting at about 22 miles of paved track. The NW Michigan riders are seen on this year around, as the location has become quite a preferred trek. Riders for both competitive reasons and leisure objectives find this trail to be ideal. For travels who are bike travel-focused, this is also a quality choice for a trip itinerary focal point. There are various places to stay alongside this path. Still, the Hart House Bed and Breakfast is highly recommended, as they have multiple services focused around ensuring that bikers can achieve their goals on the track, regardless of unplanned mishaps. This bed and breakfast offer a bike storage facility and repairs, such as supply kits, to its guests.

6) Paint Creek Trail

Paint Creek Trail is actually Michigan's oldest non-motorized trail. Located in the southeast region of the state, the trail runs between Lake Orion and Rochester. There are all the modern marvels of urban life along the route, giving locals and tourists plenty of reason to take the ride. Averaging at about 9 miles of paved road, this is one of the smaller, more popular trails in Michigan. You can access the Polly Ann trail and the Clinton River Trail via the Paint Creek Trail if you happen to feel that the 9 miles aren't quite enough.

7) Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail

The Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail is only a few blocks from some iconic places to see in the area and luxurious travel commodities. This paved path runs to be 11.5 miles long. It runs on an abandoned railroad track, heading north. This can give it either an eerie feeling or a more holistic, passing-of-time feel; it all depends on where you are on the trail. If you are planning a trip to Michigan Adventures for whatever reason, consider that this bike trail is accessible from the amusement park. There is never any harm in working a good bike ride into a trip.

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8) Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail

This trail is classified as a Michigan biking path, but keep in mind it does cross state lines. Going from Niles, Michigan to Roseland, IN, the pathway is diverse and unique. Thankfully it is paved, giving access to a much wider assortment of riders. This public bike path is one of the most beautiful rides that you can take in Michigan on two wheels. If you do decide you're up for the 17-mile trek, make sure to follow through on the one-mile loop by the Brandywine Creek Nature Park that resides slightly south of Niles. It is both refreshing and time-saving, as the loop lets riders avoid the Third Street traffic in Niles.

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9) Alpena Bi-Path

The Alpena Bi-Path is a winding path that connects the Water Works Park and Genschaw Rd.; two opposing areas of Alpena. This trail is suggested as it is paved yet offers more valuable natural sights to an urban area. The Bi-Path takes its rides by Lake Huron, Thunder Bay River, and then along the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary edges. This trail system passes through various popular hubs in the community as well, such as the schools and parks. It is one of the favorable paved systems in Michigan for its simplicity and scenery. Children can be seen riding ahead of parents, enjoying the paved path's security, while trainers tend to use it as a warm-up, making their way to the Alpena Hillman Trail.

10) Fred Meijer Heartland Trail

Fred Meijer Heartland Trail is a 42-mile paved biking trail that begins in Alma and works its way to Greenville. The course is wheelchair accessible, great for cross country skiing, but showcases its beauty via a liberating bike ride. This trail is incredibly diverse in its scenery, strolling through a half-dozen small towns, green forests, and various thriving fields. The wildlife is very notable when in the more rural, natural areas of the trail. The waterways and abandoned train track system also offer a few touching stops along the way. There are great reviews for this ride, even though a few sections are a bit bumpy. Ideal for the littles to practice their biking on or for a conditioning ride, the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail is accommodating.

Don't let the end of this list by the end of your biking adventure; make sure you are taking note while on your travels of all the other trails in the areas you visit. The opportunity for scenic biking trails in Michigan is limitless. Just like the color options through Northern Nail Polish, a Michigan-based company that offers non-toxic, vegan, chip-resistant polishes for affordable prices. One of their most rewarding pink shades, Just Keep Pedaling, was made to pair with a great biking adventure. If that isn't your style, though, keep in mind, they also sell slow fashion and apothecary products, making it an ideal place to shop for outdoor-focused, conscious consumers.