East sider coming out for a long weekend

[volleybrad]

Intrigued by the Merrell trail, my buddy and I decided to head out to the G.Rap. area for a long weekend. What are some other must-rides out that way (along with a short description)?

If it helps - favorite trails on the east side are Maybury, Island Lake, Stony Creek, Addison Oaks, Novi Tree Farm, & River Bends.

Thanks folks!

-Brad

[RickPlite]

Brad

Merrell Trail is very close to 3 of our other favorite trails. Luton Park, The Cannonsburg Ski Area and the Cannonsburg Game Area. They are all under 10 miles from Merrell. You can ride all three of them by connecting them with some road riding for a great 50 mile ride or just drive to each trail head and ride the single track.

[gtrowbridge]

Intrigued by the Merrell trail, my buddy and I decided to head out to the G.Rap. area for a long weekend. What are some other must-rides out that way (along with a short description)?

If it helps - favorite trails on the east side are Maybury, Island Lake, Stony Creek, Addison Oaks, Novi Tree Farm, & River Bends.

Thanks folks!

-Brad

Ionia State Recreation Area (SRA) - old trail, flowy, nice views of the river in the fall, some bridges
Cannonsburg State Game Area (SGA) -old trail, flowy, good climbing, very well used (closes for hunting so get there now)
Cannonsburg Ski Area (CSA) - hilly, flowy, great climbs, can be combined with the SGA via connector to Egypt valley road for 17 mile ride.
Luton - really flowy, most miles of any one trail in the area
Merrell - flowy, technical in parts, great downhills to bomb
Edwards Creek - technical, a bike skill challenge, can be combined with the Shearer road trail via flat river rail trail for total 17 mile ride.

You do all those and you will be a very happy camper. All are different from one another.

[gtrowbridge]

Other places to tour after riding.
Breweries:
Founders Brewing Company - 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids
HopCat - 25 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids
Hideout Brewing Company - 3113 Plaza Dr NE, Grand Rapids
Brewery Vivant - 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids
Schmohz Brewing Company - 2600 Patterson SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids

[Slimm]

game area is opened to riding through this friday night (9/14). if you're coming friday its prolly worth riding if you never have before.

i would also recommend riding merrell on consecutive days so you get to experience it in both directions.

not much climbing at luton. lots of climbing at ski area. long gradual grade reversed climbs at merrell.

of all trails mentioned, merrell is definitely the most fun and has the best variety


-s

[volleybrad]

Wow! Thanks for the quick responses guys! I appreciate it.

Other places to tour after riding.
Breweries:
Founders Brewing Company - 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids
HopCat - 25 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids
Hideout Brewing Company - 3113 Plaza Dr NE, Grand Rapids
Brewery Vivant - 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids
Schmohz Brewing Company - 2600 Patterson SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids

Already got that one on the list. I was there this summer when I was coaching at the State AAU Volleyball tournament. Wen there twice. It was amazing. I'll definitely want to hit up Founders too.