Review Date
May 15, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Like2Byte ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Short Story: Long.
Long Story: Very Long.

This trail is incredible! Did I mention how long it is? Well, the trail map by the head of the trail says it's 17 miles long. My GPS quotes 18.7 and I didn't repeat any sections as that's a neigh impossibility. Long climbs are met with short steep climbs that lead into more long climbs. Of course, what goes up, must come down. It is easy to go out of control in some sections because you can milk a downhill section for 2 to 3 minutes (when you factor *out* the adreniline rush!)

The are two loops one can do; but, that's only because the main trail has a section that allows those short on time to get back to the main parking area. The small loop is 5 miles long. The full loop is 17 to 18.7 miles long. On a hot day it will feel longer.

CAUTION: Unless you want to risk riding on the road with those heavy 1 and 2 ton vehicles, there is no other switchback (via trail) that can take you back the parking lot. Once you pass the first switchback, you've got 12 miles until you get back to the parking lot.

There is only 1 fresh water fountain fed by a well. When you reach a camping area, I suggest you use it to fill up your camelbacks. I opted not to on my first ride through here and I ran out of water 5 miles before the end. There's lot of water to drink; but, I didn't have my water purification tabs with me and I didn't feel like having guardia for the next week or two after. (I've since *always* carry them.) So bring water purification methods.

Recommended Route:
Clock-wise starting at the six. Start out by the out-house near the beach area. (It'll be easy to spot by all the mountain bikers in the area.) Go straight-ish and cross the paved forest-service road. You'll come to a short slightly steep climb that has rubber strips laid down to prevent erosion. Follow to left then follow the map signs to your next destination sign-post. Maps are at each sign-post to tell you where you are in the park and in relation to the next sign-post.

You should only have to cross over 2 or 3 more paved roads over the entire course. WATCHOUT! Those roads are used by real traffic.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Fort Custer (two hours vehicle ride from these areas.)
Pontiac Lake (30 minutes away)
Highland State Park (30 minutes away)
Bald Mountain. (50 minutes away)

Review Date
April 5, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: frankmcdaniel ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
One of the best places I've ever rode. Trail is very long with a couple points where you can shorten your route. Lots of up and down hills, plenty of tree roots and large in your path which will add to your riding awareness. Can get heavily rutted. Area is very shadey throughout your ride. Maps are O.K. but not the best, recommend a GPS unit to help rest your asurrance of getting back to where you started

Review Date
November 4, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: itbcrx928 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Such a beautiful trail. Not too technical overall, but it has its moments, like taking a two foot root drop at 20 mph, into sand. Overall, fast, fun, and a good workout. But, since it covers such a large footprint, navigation can be difficult. I recommend riding with someone who has ridden it before. Such a sandy trail, it can be ridden right after(or during) a downpour.

Recommended Route:
the whole 17.5 miles, and if you are nuts, do it again

Other recommended trails in the same area:
haven't gotten to many yet

Review Date
August 30, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: VetMXR ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I cut my teeth on this trail after moving to Michigan 15 years ago. This is the trail the got me into Mt. Biking, and to me it's still one of the top trails in MI. When I first started out I couldn't get enough of it, hitting it several times a week. It's long, perhaps not as aerobic as some of the others in the area, but challenging in it's own right. One of my all time favorites.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Highland, Pontiac Lake, Novi, Mayberry, Island Lake.

Review Date
July 9, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: slanard ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This trail is loads of fun. It is easy to be critical but those of us based here can happily retain our Midwestern biases. Really serious riders (not me) may not find it challenging enough but its length and variety are enough for me. You can really get in a grove at Poto because the course just flows through a wide mix of terrains. Although not overly technical, there are some good climbs, especially between miles five to eight (I think). Towards mile 16 or 17, there is a long, steady uphill, so save a little energy for the home stretch. Hills are longer than most around the area, which for the most part was leveled by a glacier about 14,000 years ago. This is definitely a great trail to bring a newbie out who is trying to become an intermediate level rider b/c they will either hate it or love it. I haven't looked back since it kicked my sorry out of shape butt a few years back. Back then, it was torture. Now, I love it. Mounties can go to Highland or Brighton for their technical fix.

Recommended Route:
There is a "short cut" about 9 miles in but the full loop is really the only way to go. Shorter loops are fast and undulating - good warm up.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Island Lake and Maybury for easy rolling - Highland, Brighton, and Pontiac Lake for more demanding loops.