Recap: Allegan State Game Lands (MI)

While vacationing in Michigan I explored some of the gravel roads, two tracks, and trails west of Allegan, MI in the Allegan State Game Lands. I pieced the route together using GravelMap.com and other routes I found on RideWithGPS. It turned out to be fantastic. After only about a mile you turn off onto an unmarked gravel road that quickly appears to end. However, go around the debris pile through a small gap in the trees and you’ll be treated to a great two-track through the woods. From there you get on to many quiet gravel roads. Along the way you’ll pass signage for the site of a long gone POW camp from WWII, cross over the Allegan Dam (which appeared to be a very popular fishing spot), and enjoy the challenge of “seasonal roads”. Around mile 15.5 you turn east on to more two-track. This section is very nice, in deep woods with a ridge drop off to your left. It’s very scenic. While back here I stumbled across a couple older gents parked in their pickup and enjoying their pipes. They helped me figure out the correct fork in the trail to take (the first one when turning west/northwest at mile 17.6). At mile 21.5 you will turn onto a utility access that is marked as a cross country ski trail. This is probably the deepest sand on the route. You can skip it by continuing straight and taking the next left on a gravel road. I was running short on time and continued straight at mile 25 until I joined back up with the route and re-traced my steps back to the start. There are snowmobile trails that parallel many of the roads, so I used those instead of re-riding the same road again.

With the exception of 124th Avenue (northernmost road) this is a very low traffic route (again keep in mind I only rode the first 25 miles of what is posted here). This area is very flat; anyone used to riding gravel in Ohio will not have trouble with the “climbs”, but the sand makes it a very challenging ride. My legs felt like I had climbed a couple thousand feet by the end. For this reason I’d recommend wide tires. I was on my MTB with 3” tires and was still plowing through the sand at times, it was that loose and deep. There were no services, so pack what you need.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the are, this is the AirBnB we stayed at, which is just down the road from the route start. There are only two bedrooms, one of which has multiple small bunk beds, so it is only suitable for solo riders, couples, or families. It has nice amenities: grill, fire pit, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, private beach, etc. The host is a dual sport motorcyclist and can share a lot of info about the best places to ride in the area. You could spend a few days here riding and exploring for sure, considering the number of unmarked roads and trails I saw along the route. There is also tons to do in the area.  While Allegan itself doesn’t have a ton to offer, Schaendorf Brewing was pretty good, as was the Grill House. I highly recommend driving less than 30 minutes west to both Saugatuck and Holland for some sightseeing, big lake views, breweries, and good food. You also must visit Crane’s Orchard and Pie Pantry (about 20 minutes away, you could even extend this route to ride there) for their pie “flight” (four kinds of fresh made pie!), ciders, and the best cider donuts you’ve ever had! There is also a ton of gravel in the area: the Barry-Roubaix, Lowell Classic, and Hellkat race courses are all within an hour drive.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36523897