A Guide to Mountain Biking at The Highlands
From first-time riders to seasoned trail seekers
Whether you are here for lift-served downhill laps, scenic cross-country rides, or just trying it out, there is a trail (and pace) for you.
Lift-Served Bike Park
22 Miles of Trails
Downhill & XC Trails
All Skill Levels
Choose Your Ride: Downhill vs Cross-Country
Downhill Biking
Downhill riding is what most people picture when they hear "bike park." At The Highlands, you will take the chairlift up and ride your way down on purpose-built trails designed for flow, turns, and progression.
That said, it is not just for experts. There are trails built to help you gain confidence and get comfortable with the feel of riding downhill. You control your speed, take breaks when you want, and ride at your own pace.
Think of it as: gravity doing some of the work, and you enjoying the ride down.
Cross-Country (XC) Biking
Cross-country trails are a completely different experience. It is a bit more relaxed and mostly pedal-powered. These trails wind through the woods and terrain, giving you a chance to explore the landscape at your own pace.
You can ride the chairlift to the top and then take your time enjoying the scenery and the feeling of being out on the trail.
Think of it as: a scenic ride through northern Michigan, just on a mountain bike instead of a hiking trail.
Finding the Right Trail for You
Our trail network offers a wide range of terrain, but it’s worth noting that trails here can feel more challenging than what you might be used to — even at the beginner level. Ratings are park-specific, so it’s all about finding the right starting point for you.
Beginner trails feature smoother paths, gentle turns, and optional features you can ride around, while intermediate and advanced trails introduce steeper terrain, bigger features, and more technical elements. For experienced riders, expert trails bring speed, precision, and a true test of skill.
Not sure where to start? We have a selection of trails that start small and let you build your skills and progress as a rider.
Start on these trails: Lemon Squeeze -> Dirt E Dancing -> Peach Fuzz -> Fun Run -> Swayze Express -> Gnarnia -> Dirt Reynolds -> Risky Business -> Shock -> After Shock
Gear Up
You do not need to go out and buy a bike to try mountain biking. We have bike rentals and helmets available onsite with an expert team to help get you in the correctly sized bike, the right helmet, and will help make sure things feel good before getting on the trail.
Bike Rental Offerings
- Youth Bikes to XL Bikes
- Downhill & Cross Country Bikes
- Bike Helmets (Full Face or Regular)
Looking for accessories? Right next to our Bike Rental is the Boyne Country Sports store that is stocked with helmets, gloves, padding, and more.
Make a Day of It
Biking the trails is only part of the experience. In between laps, grab lunch or a drink at Slopeside or the 19th Tee. Or take a break from exploring the trail on two wheels and hike around to explore new sights.
Keep the day going with a scenic chairlift ride or a slow paddle around the pond. If your group has a mix of riders and non-riders, there is plenty to do both on and off the mountain, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace.
If you are here on a Thursday, stick around for Crush it Thursday, where kids 12 and under ride free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Ride Your Way at The Highlands
Mountain biking here isn’t about fitting into a category. It is about finding your rhythm. Whether that is cruising through the woods or chasing your next downhill lap, it is all part of the experience.