The helmet cam recently made a trip to the banks of the mighty Grand River to pedal Ionia State Recreation Area. Ionia, sandwiched between Lansing and Grand Rapids, is also home to the Ionia Correctional Facility, just north over the river from the park; so heads up for any hikers dressed in orange. The founding fathers of the city must have insisted on having a prison in town with a name like Ionia (sound it out....I-own-ya). Fake news as I believe the name comes from the Ionian tribe (looked it up).
trailhead
Between Lansing and Grand Rapids, coming from I-96, get off at the Jordan Lake Rd exit (exit 64) and head north on Jordan Lake Rd about four miles until you run into the park. Although I saw alternate parking areas while pedaling, the primary mountain bike trailhead is about 1/2 mile into the park; you'll see a sign for it near the beach area signs.
From the primary trailhead, there is about a 1/4 mile prairie ride north to the loop. The trail goes in different directions based on the day of the week. Going off of memory but believe the direction was the red flow/loop on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and yellow Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
positives
A little over six miles, it's not going to break your back with bearable climbs and a view of the river during a portion of the ride.
negatives
The hardcore riders will rag on me (lighten up Francis) but keep that booty elevated a bit during the pedal as it is one of the rockier rides I've experienced.
Beggars can't be choosers but based on the map, I was expecting the trail to run right along the river but there is a big gap between and will bet the trees block the view a good portion during full tree bloom.
Attached are some views with a nice spill at about the 2:10 mark. The clip is not in slow motion; this scribe was just dragging ass a bit. It happens.
Cell phone users need to click the link to view the attached.
(put quality settings to 1080hd for best picture quality)
Trail Head