Rails to Trails: Fred Meijer Heartland Trail in Michigan.
Start: Riverside Park Trailhead in Alma.
Route: Ride west to Edmore then southwest to Lake Road (northeast of Greenville) and back.
Distance 77 miles round trip.
Weather: Mostly Sunny. Breezy. Temp: 50-70 degrees.
Low Elev 740, Hi Elev 1010. Feet Ascended: 1200.
Trail Material: Asphalt.
Rating: Thumbs Up.
I liked the trail because of varying scenery. Woodlands, prairies, small towns, farmlands, and animals. This trail canopy is mostly open meaning you'll get to see sun. The return trip was made very pleasurable with a strong tailwind added to the all downhill slope from Edmore to Alma.
One drawback on this trip was being pestered by deer flies that were able to constantly buzz the head despite riding 12 mph. Never got bit by any flies though. The only other drawback was some serious cracks in the asphalt. Cracks were not a problem on most of the trail - just a small area.
Highlights of this trip: Lots of wildflowers, Pine River waterfall at Alma. Stream crossings. Saw lots of rabbits, chipmunks and farm animals like horses.
Of interest was learning that volunteers maintain some of this trail. Yes, mowing, tree limb cutting, hole patching, crack filling was being done by elderly volunteers mostly at their own time and expense. Wow! Kudos to all the volunteers and donors keeping the trail Heartland open.