Reviewed by: trail toad ,  Cross Country Rider , from A 2

Summary:
I rode this trail in early summer. It's the only cross country trail I've found in the state. There are may trails but they are groomed to smoothness and don't really follow the land well. They don't prepair you for downed trees and creek crossing rough down hills and climbs more than 2 minutes. This might be a hiking trail as one reviewer called it but it's also real trail riding. Everthing nature can throw at you and a few beavers can drop across the trail. I started a shingle mill and thought I was on another disappointing race couse called a cross country trail. After I turned off the shingle trail at the over look the experance changed instantly. Gone was the smooth out course and on came the trail. This I would not recommend to racers or stunt riders this is a trail to go out in the woods and see the michigan I new was hiding out there. It's long not wimpy 15 mile spin. Take food and plenty of water if you have all day to ride. I only had 4 hours but in early summer that's all my butt could handle and my legs. This is a trail that you can ride fast as your skill can handle and be warned there are no little signs warning you of dangers just your experience. I'll be back later this summer when I have a long day to ride.Take a map. I can't give this a higher rating because I like jumps and other stunts and I haven't been far enough to find any. It's great trail riding...................

Recommended Route:
Shingle Mill to overlook then out the High Country Pathway for an out and back that you have time for and finish up the Shingle.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
don't know of any worth the time

Reviewed by: Brent , from Michigan

Summary:
I only rode about 10 miles of this trail but it was great. I had no intentions of going the full 40 or so miles. The trail is quite challenging and there is a ton of wildlife to be seen including elk. There are very few people and endless riding.

Reviewed by: D. Gray , from Auburn Hills, MI

Summary:
I usually start with the Shingle Mill path first or at Pine Grove Campground. If you start at pine Grove you have to check out the wooden bridges and boardwalks south of the campground. Or I start at the parking lot on Stergeon Valley right by the Pigeon River and go South, that part of the trail is good, not overly technical.Some of the trail is awsome singleTrack and some is Brutal, overgrown, Log riddled, muddy, and extremely fun. If you want the EPIC ride pick a start point fill the camelbak with a compass, tools, water, and food. Most of the western side of the loop is good, parts of the eastern side get pretty sketchy and you might need your compass. The eastern side has a lot of sand also. The fact that its not just a mindless trail is what makes it so much fun.

Recommended Route:
I usually start near the Pigeon River Headquarters just off Sturgeon Valley Rd. East of Vanderbuilt.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Shingle Mill Pathway (in Pigeon River also)

Reviewed by: Brock Ainsworth , from Lawrence, KS

Summary:
This is a beautiful trail in a beautiful place. However, it is very virginal. It is designed to be a hiking trail, and that is obvious. Like all low-travel hiking trails, they are often littered with branches and overgrowth making them very grueling to ride. I enjoyed the scenery, but as a biking trail I wouldn't recommend it. Strap on some hiking shoes and backpack to enjoy this trail. As a hiking trail 5 stars, biking 3.

Recommended Route:
As above, don't start on the trail right by the river, it's not the same trail.

Reviewed by: A.Sandri , from Gaylord

Summary:
Trail is phat, all you could ask for in Michigan. Deep forests, extremly low population once a few miles in, tight ass singletrack and some extreme Michigan hills. On top of this you got 70+ miles of wooded riding. Tell me, where else is this possible in Mi.? No where. This place is a hidden gem; just writing about makes my hands itch to grip my handle bars. Watch out for those elk, they aren't afraid if you piss them off.

Recommended Route:
I usually go to the Pigeon to catch the trail. Directions this way can be found at the Pigeon River trail review. Once across the first bridge on Sturgeon rd., park in the dirt lot on the right. Signs will take you from their. Best to get a map and compass as well.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
If you wanna take a extreme trip, take two cars up to the Pigeon. Park one there, go back to Vanderbilt, head north on 75 and get off at Wolverine. The folks above can explain directions from here. Anyway, phat ass 40-50 mile cruise back to the Pigeon. Take a shit load of water and leave early 'caues your gonna need it.