I've actually been avoiding posting about this trail because I love it so much I want to keep it to myself. But in all honesty, I gotta share it as it was intended to be. So here's the skinny on this single track from a non-spandex-wearing dad that just loves riding Michigan trails: This has become one of my favorite trails around, and there is something for everyone here.
Parkinglot is great! I love the layout, there's plenty of spaces and it's kept up nicely. There is usually a Porta-John, though I don't think it was there during winter months. The trail is directional by day so watch for signs. A $5 donation is recommended.
There's a kids loop (aka Gerber foundation loop) that I sometime ride for warmup and it's great for wee lads and lasses.
The "beginner" loop (aka faz trak), is totally rideable by slightly older youngins and great for the inexperienced mtb-er, yet can be fun for us big kids too! There's one downhill-curve-uphill that has a jump at either end of it, and an awesome wood bermed curve at the bottom, but if this makes you nervous, look for the bypass sign, there's a little trail you can bypass it.
This trail gets sandy in places but any bike with wider tires should be OK here (I think 2"/50mm recommended minimum).
If you want a bit of a challenge, the medium loop (aka the matrix) is flowy and hilly and has a few jumps, all of which can be rolled if you don't want to jump. Use caution though, there are some sections that are technical with off-camber rollers (meaning they tilt the opposite way that you'd normally want to lean) and you really gotta mind your speed. And a banked wood-plank curve which is really fun, but you won't want to see your older kids go flying off, so make sure you preride it at a slower pace to learn the trail your first lap. There are plenty of climbs. You'll want a legit mountain bike with good brakes to ride this or the advanced loop. Gravel bikers beware.
If you're an ADVANCED rider and want a longer ride and bigger challenge, there's the red loop, (aka Saints loop). This starts on a narrow two-way connector off of the medium loop.
-update-
The connector is now directional by day! PLEASE check signs for the intended direction. Watch out for a narrow, steep flagstone descent tu/th/sat direction (there's a sign) near the end of this connector. There's not much room for error and you might want to walk it!!!
The connector goes down to the mosquito creek for a great little nature stop, then continues up into the hills again. It goes back to directional-by-day after the bidge, so watch for signs pointing which way to ride. It has a lot of gorgeous, curvy, technical, high-speed cliff riding and some flat forest trail that they've added some jumps to. You can roll all of em (or ride around) without much trouble, which keeps the trail interesting. I would NOT bring kids or inexperienced riders on this loop. If you do want to try it, bring water, as it ends up being a super fun 9ish mile ride.
If you want to try a bike-park-esque expert portion, there's the "double torsion" loop which has a flyover, tables, switchback berms, climbs, a wood wall, drops, more climbs, and a nerve racking elevated skinny.. This loop is NOT for kids/inexperienced riders!!!
Winter groomed fat-tire riding is available on the Faz Trak and is as fantastic of a snowy ride as you can get! Please be mindful of conditions as it is a multi-use trail even in the winter. Also someone is putting a lot of time/effort into grooming it, so try to be understanding if conditions are damaging to trail. Minimum 3.5" tire width for snow rides.
this trail is wonderfully fun and gets really busy. It is multi-use so ALWAYS keep your eyes open for hikers and families etc. We're all in this crazy life together, after all, and we all share some type of connection with nature.
Many thanks to all those who made this amazing trail possible, and to Michigan's Edge, the trail authority that maintains it!
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