Reviewed by: jay tatara , from kalamazoo

Summary:
November 2nd.

the leaves were spectacular. A lot of riding through tunnels of golden maple leaves. Doing a round trip on the kalhaven was a great time. I rode a short wheeled base recumbent and would recommend the kalhaven to other recumbent riders. Doing a round trip is alot of miles, but if you travel light the trail is flat enough that you can coast if you need to. A good challenge. if you want to ride fast- the fall is the time to do it. very few people on the trail allow you to really open up. This Another plug for fall is that there are none of the horseflies and mosquitos that hound riders/hikers in the summer.

Recommended Route:

From Kalamazoo to South Haven and back.
(couch lake couch tour)

Reviewed by: Eric S , from Kalamazoo, MI

Summary:
Very nice trail to relax on and enjoy the good weather. I've been to this trail many times when i don't have the time to make it to Fort Custer. I'm a student at Western Michigan and due to my fall schedual i don't have time to make it to Fort Custer before it gets dark, but KalHaven is only 5 minutes from my apartment. You just go as far as you want then when you feel like it turn around. I've also walked this trail a couple times with my girlfriend and can be used as some good quality time together. Her and I want to try and ride from Kalamazoo to South Haven one day in the summer.

Recommended Route:
Only one route to take. Either from Kalamazoo to South Haven, or South Haven to Kalamazoo. This is not a loop.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Fort Custer, Al Sable, Yankee Springs

Reviewed by: Bill Jewell , from Warren Mi

Summary:
I've ridden the KH five times beginning in 1995.
All but once was with the Michigander Bike Tour. A few things make this trail a great one. I very much enjoy the scenery, and I like the surface. Riding on hard pack instead of black top makes it feel like a rural ride. But, there is still the convenience of small towns along the way, the multiple john facilities and water pumps. After riding the trail round trip, it gives you a sense of accomplishment....70 miles on compacted stone ain't exactly doing I-94!!!What do I remember?? The hog farm..you definately knew when you were getting close. And, the onion fields. God's greatest veggie...the onion. What an aroma. I believe that the Michigander tour is due to return in 2002, it will be the highlight of tour..you don't see many covered bridges. But, you'll see one here...do it !!!

Recommended Route:
end to end

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The Hart Montague is a worthwhile adventure

Reviewed by: Jeff Crooks , from Angola Indiana

Summary:
First time rider. Trail was very flat and not too hard of a ride, good for riders of all types. Would be very nice in fall or spring with the colors of nature. Rode on a monday morning so had trail all to myself.

Reviewed by: Darthblader , from Gobles, MI

Summary:
Awesome, Man! Granted, it's definitely not a hard-core ride. Okay, not even a soft-core ride (as far as elevation/technical riding is concerned). In fact, you might even call it a really dusty road ride...without a road. But it's fun, there's neat little nostalgic water-pumps every mile or so, and lots of women on the weekends. When I was riding back from the Kalamazoo end last year, a large group of college-aged women were running towards me. I thought I was experiencing heat induced hallucinations when I saw approximately 40 beutiful women running towards me. I knew it was for real when they kept going. Jeez, don't people know a bike-stud when they see one?Anyway,I'd ride it every weekend if I still lived up there full time. I might even get some Rollerblade Coyotes and skate it, just to tick-off Bryan. (just jokin', Bryan) Not challenging or dangerous, but it's a good, scenic ride which has a lot to offer to all ages and abilities. Did I mention the water pumps and the women? Nice bridges, too. Watch out for the private driveways which cross the trail. Good spinning practice. And keep an eye out for the children of the corn. Once while I was coming back from the Kalamazoo side, a group of ten-year olds stepped out from nowhere into the trail and started throwing sticks at me. Straight from a Steven King story....little rugrats. Pretend you're 'core by dousing your legs with water and let dust accumulate on your legs, and make sure you show up on the trailhead in an SUV. Bottom line: lots of flowers, water, dust, women, and freaky little kids. What more could a mountain-biker want for?