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Fat-tire biking

man riding fat-tire bike on snowy trail

Fat-tire biking

Just when you think mountain biking season has ended, the snow falls and fat-tire biking opens up a world of winter adventure! With some of the best fat-tire trails in the country, this uber-trending sport is great for anyone who can ride a bike (or wants to learn how).

Silver Lake fat-tire biking season

Ride open dunes Dec. 15-March 15

Silver Lake State Park's annual fat-tire biking season takes place Dec. 15 - March 15 from 8 a.m. to dusk. Riders will enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. No e-bikes permitted.

Learn about fat-tire biking at Silver Lake

Other riding opportunities

Fat-tire bikes are allowed on all trails that allow bicycles (mountain bikes included), and many trails are groomed by volunteer organizations specifically for winter fat-tire biking.

Fat-tire bike rentals

No matter where you're going, chances are good that there is a local bike shop near the fat-tire trails offering winter rentals. Just be sure to call ahead for availability.

Trail etiquette

  • Avoid groomed cross-country ski tracks.
  • Don't use trails if it's over 30 degrees, as that can quickly turn to mud, damaging the base trail.
  • Make sure fat tires are at least 3.7 inches wide and inflated to no more than 4 psi.
  • At the trailhead, check to see whether the trail is one-way or two-way.
  • On two-way trails, stay to the right when approaching traffic.
  • Keep dogs on a 6-foot leash and clean up after them (no one wants to ride through dog waste that was unseen by covered snow).