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Potawatomi Trail

Nearby Town: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ride Type: Many Trails To Choose
Trail Type: Single Track 60%
Dual Track 20%
Distance: 24.00 miles (38.62 KM)
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Elevation Gain: not specified.
Climbing: Rolling Terrain
Skill Level: Weekend Warriors
User Density: not specified.



Trail Description:
Just a 30 minute drive outside of Ann Arbor lies 24 miles of trails. There are three trails to choose from: the 17 mile Potawatomi Trail, the 5.1 mile Crooked Lake Trail and the 1.9 mile Silver Lake Trail. Becareful and courteous of other trail users, you'll find them here. The trails tend to be filled with roots that can be tricky when wet. This is a great area to spend doing all three trails. The Potawatomi is the jewel though others may have their favorite sections. All trails are well marked and are easy to follow.

How to get there:
From US23 head north out of Ann Arbor, take North Territorial Road west about 10 miles to Dexter-Townhall Road. Turn north for 1.2 miles to Silver Hill Road. Head to the parking lot on the left at Silver Lake Beach.

Additional Notes:
For more information contact: Pinckney State Recreation Area 8555 Silver Hill, Route 1 Pinckney,


Posted by: Josh on 1/8/2008
Been riding the trail since I was 10. Very good trail to learn on, has a mixture of hard singletrack, little gravel/rocky sections here and there, sand sections(some uphill), and a lot of smooth sections where you can clock out. Far as climbing/descending there are some steep ascents, only about 3 or 4 descents worth mentioning. When it says Caution Steep Hill, take caution... Loops around the lakes and is fun to ride!


Posted by: Armin on 10/23/2006
My brother Marcel Russenberger who won the first two Swiss Bike Masters in Switzerland(one of the hardest mountain bike race in the world) and was third in the Vail Worlds visited me and loved the trail. It is definitly one of my favorites.


Posted by: Ghandi on 3/4/2006
This is a great trail if you want to spend a few hours riding with friends. Some spots have lots of roots and rocks but nothing impossible. Hills are short but fairly steep. Lots of spots to catch some air if you know where to go. Local hotspot for MTBers, hikers, and runners.


Posted by: hitarock on 12/7/2004
This was an excellent ride on my mountain unicycle in 3 1/2 hours on the day before the Thanksgiving snow. My longest yet. Smooth trails with fun up and down hills and bridges. No rocks or roots to speak of, so the leaf coverage was no sweat!


Posted by: PappaBart on 11/16/2004
This is an excellent trail. It would be very close to the demands of a world class 24-hr race course, if it had a bit more climbing. But don't worry, this trail is hard as others have noted. Technical climbs and downhills. The Potto bike trail clocks in at 18.0 miles with a good 1,300 vertical feet of climbing.


Posted by: mo better blue man on 9/22/2004
Im a serious rider of 7 years and this place is a work out for us all. Its the biggest most hardcore track in our area. Big hills, both up and down, tight turns and lots more. Wear a good helmet and take the time to learn the course. I nearly broke 2 fingers when I rode her. She demands respect and is hard on those that take the trail for granted. Advanced riding and worth the effort!!! have fun and please be safe ; )


Posted by: Davbiker on 9/21/2004
This trail is a tough one! Lots of roots and sand and steep hills which makes for an awesome leg workout, and yea, my hat's off to anyone who can conquer this trail without getting off your bike!


Posted by: bikeamtn on 9/12/2004
It ‘rocks’ when you enjoy a good trail. Say, have you checked out the Trail Advocacy link just on the left listed under the Trail Guides heading? Please remember it’s only as good as the effort that’s put into making it that way and it can disappear tomorrow. Please do your part. Thanks


Posted by: mo better blues man on 9/4/2004
Im a serious rider of 7 years and this place is a work out for us all. Its the biggest most hardcore track in our area. Big hills, both up and down, tight turns and lots more. Wear a good helmet and take the time to learn the course. I nearly broke 2 fingers when I rode her. She demands respect and is hard on those that take the trail for granted. Advanced riding and worth the effort!!! have fun and please be safe ; )


Posted by: Slow Twitch on 7/29/2004
The Poto is a good ride. The uphill section will keep your heart pounding, but the trail is getting so eroded that the downhills are getting abusive for a standard XC bike. There are so many exposed roots in parts of the trail that you may find yourself doing a suprise endo over your handlebars. There are those who say the Poto is the best trail in Southeast Michigan, but I think Bishop Lake (Brighton Rec Area) has better trails.




 



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