Best Bike Trails In The Bend

Known collectively as the Indiana + Michigan River Valley Trail, this series of trails stretches for 17 miles from Niles, Mich., to downtown Mishawaka, mostly along the St. Joseph River. Points of interest along the way include St. Patrick's County Park, the University of Notre Dame, downtown South Bend and the Mishawaka Riverwalk.

The Link trail connects the University of Notre Dame to the heart of Downtown South Bend. Starting with the Golden Dome at your back, hop on the well-lit trail at the corner of Angela Boulevard and Notre Dame Avenue to experience the newest addition of connectivity in South Bend. This dedicated running, walking and biking trail will help make the short 1.5-mile distance to downtown South Bend more enjoyable.

Mountain bike through a forest at Bendix Woods County Park. The park boasts 6.6 miles of mountain bike trails for beginners and experienced riders. Cyclist get everything from rolling hills to tight turns and log piles to hop over.

Potato Creek State Park has 7.7 miles of mountain bike trail that’s well-known as great for beginners. Although there aren’t a lot of obstacle challenges, the trails offer an abundance of natural scenery. More experienced riders will find it a track designed for speed, so get ready for that adrenaline rush.

There are also 3.3 miles of bicycle trail at Potato Creek. You can wind up and down wooded hills then pass through wetlands at a less heart-pounding pace. It doesn’t get much more scenic than our very own state park.

Rum Village Park offers about six miles of mountain bike trails for any skill level. Beginners can utilize about a mile of trail. Intermediate adds another two miles and advanced another three. Hills turn steeper and more challenging with every uptick in skill level. Steep drops and climbs await on the advanced section.