Red Trail — Fort Custer Recreation Area

The Red Trail is generally considered intermediate to advanced due to its significant climbs and technical sections like "Rocks and Roots" and "The Trenches." However, it's designed with flexibility in mind; less experienced riders can utilize easier bypasses to navigate around the most challenging features, allowing them to still enjoy much of the trail.

The Red Trail is approximately 8.6 to 9 miles long. The time it takes to complete the loop can vary significantly based on a rider's skill level, speed, and how often they stop. For an intermediate rider, it might take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete the full loop.

Yes, Fort Custer State Recreation Area offers a comprehensive network of over 25 miles of multi-use trails. Besides the Red Trail, you'll find the Green Loop (around 7-8 miles, intermediate with challenging sections), the Blue Loop (approximately 4 miles, recommended for novice riders), and the shorter Yellow Loop, which is suitable for beginners and families.

The Red Trail is known for incorporating unique historical elements into its ride. A particularly notable feature is "The Trenches," which were dug by soldiers during the fort's military training days and now offer a twisting, half-pipe-like riding experience. Riders will also encounter wooded sections, winding hills, and scenic views of the park's diverse landscape, including second-growth oak barrens and forests.

For vehicle entry into Fort Custer State Recreation Area, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required. This can be purchased at the park entrance or when renewing your vehicle registration. There are no additional specific permits required solely for mountain biking on the trails once you have entered the recreation area.

While the Red Trail itself is more geared towards intermediate to advanced riders, Fort Custer State Recreation Area is very family-friendly. For families with younger children or beginner riders, the park offers the Blue Loop (approximately 4 miles) and the shorter Yellow Loop, which are specifically recommended for novice riders and provide a gentler introduction to mountain biking.

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted on trails as long as they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. It's always a good idea to check the latest park regulations on the Michigan DNR website for any specific restrictions or updates regarding pets on trails.

The Red Trail is a highly popular destination, attracting thousands of bikers annually. It can get quite busy, especially on weekends and during peak seasons (spring through fall). To avoid the heaviest crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or arriving early in the morning on weekends. The directional trail system helps manage flow even when busy.

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is conveniently located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Both cities offer a range of accommodations, from hotels to motels. You'll also find numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs in these nearby communities, providing options for dining and refreshments before or after your ride.

In winter, parts of the Red Trail and other trails at Fort Custer are groomed for fat-tire biking, offering a unique cold-weather riding experience. Beyond biking, the park is also popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it a versatile outdoor destination even when covered in snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out in winter.

The Red Trail operates on a specific directional schedule to ensure a smooth flow for all users. It is ridden counterclockwise on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the trail is ridden clockwise. Always observe the signage at the trailhead to confirm the day's direction.