 new Palmer Woods trail (photo by Pat S.) |
from Singletracks.com
It took seven years, but the full 24-mile trail system at Palmer Woods in Leelanau County, Michigan, was completed in 2025.
The Leelanau Conservancy has spent about $10 million to build these trails with ecological restoration and sustainability in mind. The money came entirely from local sources. The land was acquired from a timber company where logging had taken place for 40 years. The Conservancy purchased the 1,155 acres which is surrounded on three sides by Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The forest will be preserved and the majority of the trails are dedicated to mountain biking. It's being hailed as one of the best singletrack bike trails in Michigan.
The bicycle trails are machine-built, and range from beginner loops to "white knuckle" as described by Justin Simpson, Director of Progressive Trails for West Michigan Mountain Biking Association. The intermediate trails are mostly one way, with the direction of travel alternating on successive days.
Caleb Garone, Land Steward for the Leelanau Conservancy, says "the Lion’s Mane Trail has a lot of really interesting dirt jump shapes. There’s [been] quite a bit of rock added for some downhill kickers."
Separate trails for hiking and cross-country skiing have also been built, ensuring that no user group's expectations will be compromised. The Conservancy emphasises that there is a strong commitment to ecological sustainability and diversity.
See maps at the Leelanau Conservancy
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