Plea for Responsibility:

With the many new mountain bikers each year, the increased traffic can take its toll on the trails. IMBA affiliates like MCMBA, MMBA. have spent hundreds of hours building, and maintaining these trails for sustainability and fun. They ask only a few things to help keep these trails great for many years.

As riders we should share the burden and ride sensibly. Here are a few good etiquette tips for any mtb trail.
1.) Do not build, cut, or edit the existing trail

2.) Be aware of others on the trail by riding in control. Avoiding surprises to you or others.
3) Ride on the trail - Do not use short cuts.
4.) Be an Ambassador for the sport. Your actions good and bad reflect on the entire cycling community. If you see a new cyclist or someone disregarding trail etiquette, please politely mention it to them, or in worst case scenario report it to the park manager.

Island Lake State Recreation Area is located just West of Kensington Metropark. Near the US-23 / I-96 interchange. There are 2 beginner friendly trails available. Blue Loop which is 9+ miles, and Yellow Loop at 5 miles, but more elevation than Blue. These two loops can be ridden completely separate or combined quite easily.          Both trails are relatively are very well marked (a large map is posted at the trail head parking lot). Mostly flat with gentle rolling grass lands and some medium length gradual climbs. This is one of the heaviest used trails in the area due to its proximity to the highway and easy to moderate skill level. More experienced riders will find these trails a great place for speed, or to bring there less technical riding friends.

Directions

From I-75: Take I-75 to I-696 and head West. I-696 turns into I-96 at the I-275 interchange. Continue on I-96 West for about 15 miles to the Kensington Road exit (exit 151). Head south on Kensington Road 1/4 mile past the light (Grand River Ave.) The park entrance is on left. Once in the park turn right at the booth and Follow the road to the 2nd right  to get to the trail head parking lot.

From US-23: Take US-23 to I-96 and head East for 3.3 miles to the Kensington Road exit (exit 151). Head south on Kensington Road 1/4 mile past the light (Grand River Ave.) The park entrance is on left. Once in the park turn right at the booth and Follow the road to the 2nd right  to get to the trail head parking lot.

Lakeshore Park (Treefarm)

Lakeshore Park is also known as the Tree Farm because it used to be a Christmas tree farm years and years ago. In fact parts of the trail (the pines section) ride through the old groves of spruce trees. The small parcel of 400 acres is host to a great weekly group ride and one of SE Michigan's biggest Mountain bike events...The Treefarm Relay.

The MTB trail crosses over some of the 2 track hiking/XC Skiing trails and is completely separate as single track. The trial has very low elevation overall, but the MCMBA crew maintain and built a flowing trail with optional features, and tight technical sections too.

Hunting is not permitted, making the Tree Farm a great place to ride in the fall and winter. Never really considered a technical trail it does have a few skinnies, and technical section that can be optional for any rider to avoid if they wish as well. Access is through Lakeshore Park, parking is free between Labor Day and Memorial Day. The rest of the year non-residents pay a small fee.

Directions:

From I-75: I-75 to I-696 and head West. I-696 turns into I-96 at the I-275 interchange. Follow I-96 west to exit 162 (Novi Road), head north on Novi Road 1.6 miles to traffic light at "Old Novi Road", turn left. Proceed 0.5 mile to South Lake Shore Drive, turn left, then 0.4 mile to Lakeshore Park on your left, The trail begins at the end of the dirt road where you'll see a Kiosk with updates and current maps. i

From US-23: US-23 to I-96 and head east to exit 162 (Novi Road), north on Novi Road 1.6 miles to traffic light at "Old Novi Road", turn left. Proceed 0.5 mile to South Lake Shore Drive, turn left, then 0.4 mile to Lakeshore Park on your left, The trail begins at the end of the dirt road where you'll see a Kiosk with updates and current maps. i

Season:

The trails are open all year with the exception of some closures during the spring thaw or muddy season. During the spring and summer you can expect mosquito’s and humidity in the summer. So drink lots of water, wear bright breathable clothing, bring BUG REPELLENT, and as Dr. Lisa always says "Wear Sunscreen".

Note: MCMBA asks that you don't use trails during wet weather or during spring thaw, this will damage the trails and hurt mountain bike / Land Manager relations.

Organizations:

Motor City Mountain Bike Association (MCMBA.org)
Trail Map:

http://site.mcmba.org/images/Maps/Lakeshore/Map-LakeshorePark.pdf

Amenities

Bathrooms with running water are open during the regular season. a small beach is also in the park for an after ride dip. A very well maintained trail and park also boasts playgrounds, soccer field, and shelters for picnicking.

Plea for Responsibility:

With the many new mountain bikers each year, the increased traffic can take its toll on the trails. IMBA affiliates like MCMBA, MMBA. have spent hundreds of hours building, and maintaining these trails for sustainability and fun. They ask only a few things to help keep these trails great for many years.

As riders we should share the burden and ride sensibly. Here are a few good etiquette tips for any mtb trail.
1.) Do not build, cut, or edit the existing trail

2.) Be aware of others on the trail by riding in control. Avoiding surprises to you or others.
3) Ride on the trail - Do not use short cuts.
4.) Be an Ambassador for the sport. Your actions good and bad reflect on the entire cycling community. If you see a new cyclist or someone disregarding trail etiquette, please politely mention it to them, or in worst case scenario report it to the park manager.

Wayne Co Trails (aka Hines Drive Trails) Hines Parkway is the home to our newest trails in SE Michigan in partnership with Wayne County and MCMBA. The trail currently has 2 segments Lakeview and Riverview. This  trail follows Hines Drive along  the Middle Rouge River, with 15 miles of heavily used paved pathways connecting cyclists in the surrounding communities. These mountain bike and hiking trails inviting users away from the road and into a natural singletrack experience. Two segments have been completed, each with their own unique character:

Lakeview Trail is a 2.5-3.0 miles trail follows the south shoreline of Newburgh lake. This segment is highlighted by breathtaking views of the lake as the trail twists, climbs and descends along the steep overlooking bluffs.

Riverview Trail is a 1+ mile trail that continues east of Newburgh, providing more up close and personal encounters with the Rouge River mixed with meadows and hardwood forests.

The Hines Park mountain bike trails are a combination of One way AND Two way trails. They are also Multi-User friendly so please  ride with caution and be prepared to yield to other users and oncoming traffic.

Season:

The trails are open all year with the exception of some closures during the spring thaw or muddy season. During the spring and summer you can expect mosquito’s and humidity in the summer. So drink lots of water, wear bright breathable clothing, bring BUG REPELLENT, and as Dr. Lisa always says "Wear Sunscreen".

Note: MCMBA asks that you don't use trails during wet weather or during spring thaw, this will damage the trails and hurt mountain bike / Land Manager relations.

Organizations:

Motor City Mountain Bike Association (MCMBA.org)

Amenities

Hines trails are accessible from many points and are unique as it winds through several communities. Hines Drive itself has several comfort stations which are open during the normal season, and closed during winter months. But there are plenty businesses to start from or visit mid ride.

Directions
From I-75: Take I-75 to M-59, Take M-59 West  (Head past Pontiac), about 15 miles  to  Duck Lake Rd in White Lake Township. Turn left (South) onto Duck Lake for about one mile. Turn right onto Livingston Road, drive a ver short distance to the small trailhead parking lot (small dirt lot). The lot is on your right (North side of Rd), and the trail is directly across the road.

From US-23: Take US-23 to M-59, Take M-59 East to Duck Lake Rd in White Lake Township (approx. 6 mi.). Turn right (South) onto Duck Lake for about one mile. Turn right onto Livingston Road, Same as above directions.

Plea for Responsibility:

With the many new mountain bikers each year, the increased traffic can take its toll on the trails. IMBA affiliates like MCMBA, MMBA. have spent hundreds of hours building, and maintaining these trails for sustainability and fun. They ask only a few things to help keep these trails great for many years.

As riders we should share the burden and ride sensibly. Here are a few good etiquette tips for any mtb trail.
1.) Do not build, cut, or edit the existing trail

2.) Be aware of others on the trail by riding in control. Avoiding surprises to you or others.
3) Ride on the trail - Do not use short cuts.
4.) Be an Ambassador for the sport. Your actions good and bad reflect on the entire cycling community. If you see a new cyclist or someone disregarding trail etiquette, please politely mention it to them, or in worst case scenario report it to the park manager.

Highland State Recreation Area

State Recreation Area is about 15 miles west of Pontiac, off M-59. One of the newer trails in lower Southeast Michigan, It was designed and built as a handling challenge. This trail is 100% single track with many gradual climbs and descents. It is very difficult to sustain any speed because of the technical and tight nature of this trail. You will find off camber sections, roots, rocks, logs, etc.

    With the technical nature of this course you will have find the repetition of Brake, Shift, Turn, repeat will make you mentally exhausted and fatigue your entire body. By the time you reach the D loop you will be listing names of people to sell your bike to...and wondering how much further till its over. Once you finish the reward will settle in as you reminisce with pals about a near death experiences, and cleaning seemingly impassable sections. You will look at it as a challenge to for the next time, The entire trail will take 2 ½ - 3 hours so bring plenty of water and food.
      There are NO provisions for water here, bring what you will require and then some. There are 4 loops you can attempt/ See Trail Description below.

    
This is definitely not a beginner course and should not be ridden alone or after dusk with out a lighting system. Keep in mind if you have a mechanical or are just too weak and sickly to finish, there is only one bail out spot located off C Loop. Realistically once on the trail the only way back is forward, the best you can do is find your way back to A loop and return. The state does require a parking permit, if you need one they can be purchased by filling out the envelope (with money) and placing it in the daily registration canister.

Trail Description

 Highland State Rec. Area is one of the ore technical trails in Southeast Michigan.  The design was originally built to control speed and provide reward to riders with good technique and balance. Every time I go I get mentally tried, rather than physically tired. The course constantly requires action and reaction, to maintain balance. The hills are all very climbable, the terrain a little rough but compact. There are only a few sections which I consider impasse, the rock garden climb in D, and the occasional downed tree. Be sure to watch for low tree limbs as well as the trail obstacle course. The rest of the trail is slow paced handling fun. You have your choice of riding difficulty and distance, from 3.8 to 16 miles. all are trails linked together Via A and B. you can ride them all or pass on the tough ones.

 There are 4 distinct loops at Highalnd. Complete A,B,C, and D, for a total of 16 miles. Everyon starts on A loop then has the opportunity to to m0re loops at the B intersection. Both B and D connect to/from the A Loop. C loop is accessed only from the B loop.
A Loop = 3.8 miles, intermediate or expert rider level.
B Loop = 5.9 miles, intermediate or expert rider level.

C Loop = 2.4miles, accessed from the B loop.

D Loop = 3.2 miles, accessed near the end of the A loop.

Season:

The trails are open all year with the exception of some closures during the spring thaw or muddy season. During the spring and summer you can expect mosquito’s and humidity in the summer. So drink lots of water, wear bright breathable clothing, bring BUG REPELLENT, and as Dr. Lisa always says "Wear Sunscreen".

Note: MCMBA asks that you don't use trails during wet weather or during spring thaw, this will damage the trails and hurt mountain bike / Land Manager relations.

Organizations:

Motor City Mountain Bike Association (MCMBA.org)
Trail Map:
http://site.mcmba.org/images/Maps/Highland/Highland-MMBA.pdf

Amenities

Highland State Rec has an Outhouse and a Dirt parking lot. However you are close to M-59 snd close to Milford too. for after ride feasts.