A Guide to Six Michiana Bike Trails in Three Oaks, Michigan
In the heart of it all – and where all trails begin and end – is the tiny, picturesque village of Three Oaks, home to the nationally famed, annual Apple Cider Century bicycle race.
Just as riders on the Century tour may choose to bike as few as two or as many as 100 miles, the Backroads Bikeways offer year-round casual cyclists a similar selection, with self-guided rides on paths as brief as five miles, or as extensive as 60 miles.
Here’s a sampling of what to expect:
The Spring Creek Trail
Even most locals don’t know that the gorgeous, rolling hills of Spring Creek were a favorite summer camp of the area’s earliest indigenous people, the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians, and already populated with settlers before the railroad plowed through and put Three Oaks on the map. Take a brief ride on the five-mile Spring Creek Trail, stop in at the old one-room Spring Creek School, and see why the Indians and the early settlers loved the place.
The Posey Hill Trail
Another short trip, this 13-mile bike path wends south through Three Oaks’ rural pastures and lands you quickly in the peaceful, wooded confines of Indiana. As you travel east on Indiana 1000 North, you’ll find a steep hill that leads you to Posey Hill Chapel just when you think your legs won’t pump another foot. Bike path planners anticipated this; there’s a small pavilion and picnic table awaiting you in the Chapel’s shadows!
The Warren Woods Trail
Nature-lovers don’t want to miss this 16-mile route that takes visitors under the canopy of the Warren Woods, one of the state’s last remaining climax forests. Here you’ll cross the gentle Galien River before heading west toward Lakeside Road, where you can observe auto traffic beneath you as the road crosses Interstate 94. Moments later, you’ll be enjoying quiet countryside once again.
The Spicer Lake Trail
There’s a bit of everything on this 22-mile trail, including a trip through the tiny, historic village of Galien, population: 600 (and that’s a stretch!) But there’s a pizza parlor and an ice-cream shop in town, if you’re so inclined. The highlight of this ride has to be a stop at the beautiful Spicer Lake Nature Preserve along the Indiana border. Take a walk on the preserve’s boardwalk for some breathtaking wildlife viewing.
The Madron Lake Trail
In the interests of full disclosure, I live along this trail and so meet numerous cyclists as they negotiate this scenic 37-mile-long route. Here’s how the Apple Cider Century folks describe it: “Journey over shady wooded backroads and small rolling hills through flowered meadows and patchwork farmland. Relax beside a clear, rushing trout stream and enjoy the smells, sound, and that ‘great to be alive’ feeling that only nature and bicycling can offer.” That just about sums it up!
The Grand Mere Trail
This 50-mile path reaches as far north as the village of Stevensville, on the outskirts of the bustling St. Joseph-Benton Harbor community (combined population, about 15,000.) But you’ll head west out of the village before seeing the cities, and eventually get a look at the region’s tourist magnet, Lake Michigan, as it washes the sandy beaches at Warren Dunes State Park. Take a break at the beach, a dip in the lake, or climb the phenomenal Tower Hill Sand Dune, perennial favorite launching spot of area parasailers.
Before You Ride …
No bike? No problem! Rentals are available in Three Oaks. The Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club offers brochures-by-mail that include rental information, detailed maps of and directions for all 12 bike routes, including notations about rest stops, sights to see, road crossings and other relevant information. For a brochure, send a little note and include a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Three Oaks Spokes, PO Box 366, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.
