In this edition in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the best of the Great Lakes rail-trails, home to the most rail-trails in the country. With 113 rural, suburban, and urban trails threading through nearly 2300 miles, Rail-Trails Midwest: Great Lakes covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most popular parts of town, such as the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path, which links Chicago-area suburbs. Others take you back in time for a look at regional history, like Ohio's 11-mile Holmes County Trail. The Midwest has thousands of miles of rail corridor that have been turned into 360 rail-trails in the Great Lakes alone. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities. Many of the level rail-trails are suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling, inline skating, wheelchairs, and horses.

When you look at a map of North America the Great Lakes shout out to you, "Come and explore me!" With Lake Michigan being the only one of the lakes located entirely within the United States it makes for an inviting bicycle tour. Your ride around the lake will include panoramic bluff views across the expansive clear waters of the lake, endless numbers of clean pristine sandy beaches with gentle lapping waves to swim in, quaint small villages that have been catering to the needs of travelers for over a hundred years, and the best part of all, it is a loop tour. No shuttles required! And if you don't have time for the 1,200 plus mile tour around the entire lake, you have the option to hop one of two ferries across the lake to cut your tour in half, or ever thirds. It is a tour that has it all, and this guidebook routes you on separated bike paths and bike friendly roads that lead you from one adventure to the next. So grab your bike and begin your own Lake Michigan Trail Adventure!

This series of two-color guides includes comprehensive state-by-state guides to walking, jogging, bicycling, and cross-country skiing along rail-trail systems. Written by locals with expert knowledge of their states, these easy-to-use books provide mile-by-mile descriptions of the most popular rural and urban rail trails. They include: Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface type Detailed trail maps At-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one’s interests Information on wheelchair accessibility; availability of parking, rest rooms, and places to eat along the trail; location of ranger stations, visitor’s centers and depot museums; and where to rent bikes

Explore 63 of the best rail-trails and multiuse pathways across two states. All around the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted to public multiuse trails. Here, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present their list of 63 of the best, most highly rated rail-trails and other multiuse pathways in Michigan and Wisconsin. Each entry includes detailed maps, driving directions to trailheads, activity icons, and succinct descriptions. Explore Wisconsin's iconic Elroy-Sparta State Trail--widely acknowledged to be the oldest rail-trail in America--or Lake Michigan Pathway, which features beaches and marinas that keep you in close touch with its namesake. Tour Michigan's state capital on the Lansing River Trail, which winds along scenic riverbanks for 8 miles, from the campus of Michigan State University to Old Town Lansing. Witness the effects of ancient ice floes on Wisconsin's landscape along the 52-mile Glacial Drumlin State Trail. You'll love the variety in this collection of Midwestern multiuse trails--from beautiful waterways and scenic areas to the hustle and bustle of the states' urban centers. So whether you're looking for a trail for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride with the family, or something a bit more challenging, you'll find it in this comprehensive trail guide.

Hidden in and around the Detroit and Ann Arbor area are some great roads, trails, and bike paths that are fun to explore. Best Bike Rides Detroit and Ann Arbor describes 40 great recreational rides in the metro areas. With most rides between 5 and 35 miles—including road rides, rail trails, bike paths, and mountain bike rides—it’s easy to find a ride that suits your tastes. Each route includes complete directions, a map, a text description of the area you’ll be riding, the GPS coordinates of the start/finish point, and color photos of one the ride’s features. Also included is information on local restaurants, lodging, maps, bicycle shops, other facilities for cyclists, and community resources. Look inside to find: • Detailed maps and directions • Rides that explore the urban areas as well as the surrounding country • A variety of rides, most between 5 and 35 miles in length • In-depth information about each ride, including length, terrain, traffic conditions, and road hazards • Interesting facts about each area • Options to create longer or shorter rides

The author provides an account of his experiences as a crew member on a tall-masted schooner during a six-week voyage through the Great Lakes, and discusses his other explorations of the lakes, looking at their history, geology, and environmental disaster and rescue.

COVER -- Half-title page -- Title page -- Copyright page -- Epigraph -- CONTENTS -- Introduction: An Unexpected Idea -- Lake Huron -- Lake Erie -- Lake Michigan -- Lake Superior -- Lake Ontario -- Conclusion: Future Prospects -- Notes -- Author bio