Situated in Boyne Falls, the Boyne Mountain Trails offer a comprehensive network of biking routes that tick a lot of boxes for diverse mountain biking experiences. Covering a range of terrains and difficulties, these trails, when executed well, can deliver a great ride. However, they come with their own set of drawbacks, which may have you second-guessing the trail markings more than once.
Boyne Mountain is accessible via Route 131, approximately one mile south of Boyne Falls, Michigan. Once you turn into the entrance from 131, head past the indoor water park toward the tennis courts; that's where you'll find the trailhead.
At Boyne Mountain, expect to find a variety of loops designated by catchy names like 'Stairway,' 'Rootsville,' 'Climb Time,' and 'Outback.' These sections are helpfully labeled according to their difficulty levels, giving riders an idea of what they're getting into.
The trails are diverse in terrain; from tight single tracks to wider nature paths. Highlights include some fun downhill sections and less challenging but flowy trails. With options to take the chairlift to the top of Boyne Mountain, the thrill of downhill biking can be had with less uphill effort.
Regrettably, poor trail markings and maintenance are recurring complaints. Riders should be prepared for the unexpected—from fallen trees to overgrown thorny vegetation. Multiple reports of poor signage make it easy to get lost or turned around.
Boyne Mountain Trails offer a versatile riding experience that's marred by poor maintenance and signage. Riders ready to overlook these issues are rewarded with thrilling descents and a variety of trail types that range from leisurely to challenging. With a location close to other biking destinations and scenic loops, it's a spot that has the potential to be a true biking haven, provided attention is given to its shortcomings.