North Country Trail system: The Pere Marquette River Lodge in Baldwin, Michigan lies within the heart of the North Country Trail system. You’ll find trail heads as close as 10 minutes drive from the Lodge.  NCT is a historic trail that dates back to the 1880’s running through seven northern states from NY to North Dakota. The sections in northern lower Michigan offer some outstanding single track mountain biking. The trail is divided into segments A, B, C,& D with A being furthest north in the scenic Hodenpyl Dam area winding south where section E finally meets the Hardy/Croton Dam area. 

The trail system is typically well groomed with distances between trail heads range from 5 to 19 miles with total length from A-D being about 150 miles. From someone who has ridden this many times, even in the middle of summer, sand is very limited. Intermittently scattered are a few short sections designated as no bike use.  Don’t let this bother you. These sections are located between trail heads so bikers find avoiding them to be of very little inconvenience. Much of it is also in the lower flattest areas north of Croton.

Listed below are more specifics and maps for each section. This is mid west Michigan, it is not flat, but easier sections offer new riders the chance to really see some northern Michigan scenery while improving those skills on gentle, but challenging hills or balancing a creek crossing. Better riders will also enjoy the easier lower sections as they grab a stiffer gear, get some speed and make some miles on a twisting technical trail.  Go further north and find outstanding elevation changes and more aggressive riding conditions. In any case, there is no bad riding on this system. Pick a day, pick a section, and go for it.

- Fees: Some trailheads require a parking permit (Baldwin & Manistee federal forestry office or some parking lot / trailheads have daily permit drop boxes available.) Approximately $3.00.

Estimated Time from Pere Marquette River Lodge:             

The Big M: (Big M Information, Big M trail map) Along with the North Country Trail, the Big M offers some of the best riding you’ll find in Michigan.  Approximately 30 minutes drive from the Pere Marquette River Lodge in the heart of the Udell Hills area of the Manistee National Forest. 99% well marked single track loops within the scenic hardwood and pine forest ranging in length from ~6 miles to longest continuous loop being 26 miles.  Loops are interconnected so riding loop to loop offers endless miles. Trails typically in excellent condition are maintained by volunteers and the Forest Service.  Segment B of the North Country Trail also runs north/south through the Big M with the Udell NCT trailhead being near the north rim of the Big M and NCT Freesoil to the South.  In mid June the Big M is also home to the LumberJack 100 National Ultra MTB Race & the Michigan Single Speed Championship which features four 25 miles loops and 8000 total feet of elevation gain. Riders from all around the country attend this race.

- Fees: None. Donation box located near trail head.
- Open for Biking: April 15th-Sept 30th.  Winter months offer cross country skiing as well.
- Rider Skill Level: With the trails being well maintained, beginners should have no fear. In particular, some of the shorter loops are friendly to entry level riders.  Advanced & Intermediate riders, challenge yourself on the longer loops, you won’t be disappointed.  After all, national races are run on this trail system.

The Lodge:  Located in Baldwin, MI, the Pere Marquette River Lodge is in the heart of some of Michigan’s best scenery and Mountain Bike, Hiking, and Cross Country Skiing trails. Centrally located amongst several trailheads for the legendary North Country Trail and Big M loops.  The PMRL is comprised of 11 acres along the legendary Pere Marquette River, offering lodging ranging from rooms in our main lodge with stone fireplace and great room, to cozy cabins complete with kitchenettes, and finally for the larger groups we offer houses that sleep up to eight with relaxing views of the river.  After touring the miles of trails relax by a bonfire next to your cabin or at the central area near the main lodge.

Other Activities:  If you wish to take a break from the trails, make plans to float the scenic Pere Marquette River on a canoe, raft, kayak, or tube.  Hop a shuttle to meet your vessel at the river launch ¼ mile from the lodge. At the end of your voyage you’ll be picked up and shuttled back. For larger groups, ask us about arranging for a BBQ cookout and bonfire upon your return (notice at reservation date req’d).  If you like to stay in shape in the winter, come back this for some x-country skiing or snowmobiling.

If you are a fisherman on the days off between bike trips, this is the place to be.  The  Pere Marquette River is the only river in Michigan that is unobstructed (no dam between Baldwin and Lake Michigan).  This is about 80 miles of twisting water.  The Lodge is located on the “Fly only” “no kill” zone of the river which allows catch & release fishing 24/7/365.  This river is legendary for fly fishing hosting fisherman from all over the nation and 21 countries at last count.  Never been fly fishing?  Ask about lessons in the full service Orvis shop located next to the lodge or drift the river with one of our top ranked guides for the Big Brown Trout that dominate these waters.  In fall or spring, fish the migratory runs of Steelhead and Salmon coming up from Lake Michigan while you enjoy the colorful scenery.  Hot lunch on the river and a tangle with one of these Browns makes for a great relaxing day if you wish to rest those legs after biking or hiking.  Check out the photos of those big Browns on this website. 

Click here to visit the League of Michigan Bicyclists website.