As the popularity of e-bikes grows in Northern Michigan, so, too, does the ability to tackle harder, steeper trails – like Palmer Woods mountain bike trail in Leelanau County. I’m a regular cyclist, but had been avoiding the bigger climbs at Palmer Woods because I suffer from exertion headaches – but my newly acquired e-mtb has changed the game and opened up new possibilities! Here’s a quick review for those who might like to give this ever-expanding trail a GO, with a little insight on the perks of using an e-mtb!
Does Palmer Woods allow e-bikes?
Yes, they allow Class 1 e-bikes. These are e-bikes with pedal assist. The power cuts out at 20mph. There is no throttle. Class 1 e-bikes do not move unless you are pedaling.
What are the beginner trails at Palmer Woods?
Ursa Minor and Ursa Major (named after constellations – a true tip of the hat to life Up North!) are the most popular choices to start with at Palmer Woods and are “green” beginner trails. These trails are built with flow, berms and rollers, making them easy to just coast/poke along as a beginner, yet with enough potential that cyclists can learn to handle their bikes at faster speeds and let out a few whoops and hollers as they gain confidence!
Ursa Minor is a one-way 1-mile trail with a half mile of downhill trail to start - a blessing for warming up. Ursa Major is also one-way but alternates directions depending on the day. This loop is 3.4 miles and takes you into the heart of Palmer Woods before circling back to the parking lot in a fun little descent. Most riders start here and repeat the loops for a fun ride with no big climbs.
The writer, Kandace Chapple, at a hub along the trail.
What are the intermediate trails at Palmer Woods?
Here’s where e-bikes shine. I tackled The Enlightener (3 miles) and Fiddlehead (also 3 miles). (If you don’t know what a fiddlehead is, it’s the beginning fronds of a fern – the tightly coiled green heads that look like the head of a fiddle or violin as they begin to grow. They are actually edible and considered a seasonal delicacy! They must be cooked completely before consumption, though, so don’t chomp them along the trail.
The Enlightener was far more technical and included some sharp, uphill turns, which gave my e-mtb a place to gloat. I didn’t lose momentum, but the heavier bike took some getting used to and gave me a little wobble regardless! Still, I was able to climb over 1,000 feet in an hour without getting an exertion headache. A HUGE FEAT. I was literally floating on air!!!
On top of that, I found myself alone back on the trail and truly disconnected from “real” life. Total serenity until I got a lovely jump scare from a whitetail deer, along with a dude on a regular bike (which are now being called acoustic bikes!) who passed me and my fancy assist like I was standing still. I took my humbling with joy – joy that he wasn’t a bear coming up on me.
There are 3 other trails at Palmer Woods, all intermediate, including Acer Ridge (2.75 miles), Beechdrops (.83 miles), Swallowtail Connector (1.75 miles). There are several other small connector trails as well. Once you get on the trail, it’s fun to start piecing together an adventure!
Are there features?
Yes! And there are several “session” areas, too, where you can practice drops, hops and more. The trail has “chicken loops” for any drops along the way, which, I hate to break it to you, an e-bike will not help you with drop skills, ha. I used every single chicken loop!
This is a session area.
This is a chicken loop around a drop that I most certainly used.
Are there maps?
There is almost no cell signal on the property, so be sure to start your Strava in the parking lot and snap a photo of the trail map at the trailhead. There are additional maps along the trail, including very detailed maps at the “hubs” along the way.
Overall, Palmer Woods is the Leelanau Conservancy’s largest natural area at over 1,000 acres. Palmer Woods is easily becoming one of the most sought-after destination trails for mountain bikers all over Michigan - and for good reason. It’s challenging, playful, fun and rustic. You are truly in nature and outside of civilization on the trail. It’s magical!
AND - don’t forget, there are 10 miles of hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails on the property, as well. (These are separate from the biking trails.) There’s also a changing area, bathroom, bike repair station and a bonfire pit for socializing at the trailhead. The Conservancy also hosts “day out” events often at Palmer Woods. Watch their calendar for upcoming events! Find the trail here, just outside of Maple City. Enjoy!
