Sweating and struggling—silently cursing the heat—I climbed to the top of Boyne Highlands Ski Resort on my mountain bike. From the top, a green canopy marched around me, but before I could relax and enjoy the view, my husband was already disappearing onto the next trail, ready to begin the swooping, twisting downhill—a mountain biker’s reward.

While northern Michigan can’t claim soaring mountains, it can brag about its endlessly rolling terrain, resulting in a roller-coaster effect as fun as any amusement park. Although I appreciate the ascents, nothing can beat the long, flowing descents. These are my six favorites:

1. North Country Trail, Kipp Road: From Kipp Road, near Harbor Springs, the North Country Trail climbs off and on for about 3 miles with a demanding half-mile ascent near the beginning. But, as you have probably guessed, this out-and-back section is well worth the effort with an exhilarating downhill, perhaps the best in Michigan, on the return ride. (map).

2. Shingle Mill Pathway, near Grass Lake Overlook: Even after more than 20 years of riding Shingle Mill, I never tire of the rollicking descent, just past the Grass Lake Overlook. It comes at the perfect moment—after a lengthy climb—and makes me feel like a kid every time (map).

3. and 4. Hanson Hills, Point F Lookout: Mountain biking at Hanson Hills is always a happy experience with its roller-coaster ride, well-maintained trails, and proximity to Grayling’s brewpubs and restaurants. It is also home to two of my favorite downhills, which, like many great descents, come at the end of the ride. The Red Loop ends with a fast flight back to the parking lot; while the Yellow Loop has two exciting hills at the end of the trail. The first is a gradual descent with, unfortunately, a steep climb at the end; however, you will be compensated with another rapid ramble (but expect sand and bumps) back to the trailhead (map).

5. North Country Trail, descent to Hodenpyl Dam Road: The popular section of the North Country Trail from Coates Highway to Hodenpyl Dam Road challenges mountain bikers with its hill-hugging singletrack climbs. The last ascent on this section is particularly strenuous, but you can rest almost all the way down to Hodenpyl Dam Road, enjoying the bliss of flying along a skinny trail (map).

6. Boyne Highlands, North Spine: Boyne Highlands, an all-season ski and golf resort, boasts more than 20 miles of mountain biking trails. At times, one can almost forget that they aren’t in a mountainous terrain, particularly on the black-diamond North Spine Trail, which darts back to the bottom of the ski resort in a mad rush (map).

Do you have a favorite downhill to add to this list? Leave a comment…