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Blue Loop

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (35)
  1. Areas
  2. MI
  3. …Eastern Michigan
  4. …Brighton
  5. Island Lake Recreation Area
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“An easy intermediate trail at Island Lake - fast and flowy singletrack. ”

Michael Ahnemann
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Map Key

9.1

Miles

14.7

KM
Singletrack

922' 281 m

High

867' 264 m

Low

271' 83 m

Up

275' 84 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

The Blue trail, approximately 9 miles in length, is fast and flowing, with gentle climbs and descents. Beginner friendly, the flow really appears at speed and experienced riders will find Blue a great place to spin all out and work on their cardio as the miles fly by.

The majority of the track is firm, smooth hard packed earth under the shade of the forest. There are a few sections of track with loose gravel and sand that requires some caution. Rocks and roots come into play at just a few technical sections of the trail. There are maybe 2-3 steep hills that may force a beginner off his/her bike and require him/her to walk up. There are a few small drops (really more like steps) that are 12" or less in height...nothing too difficult. There are a handful of rutty sections, but very minimal.

This trail would be a great place to bring riders who don't have the patience or experience to manage slower paced, tight, technical tracks. This track is very well suited for a hardtail mountain bike due to its smooth, flowing trails with minimal roots and rocks. The trail crosses paved roads in several locations, but the trail does not pick up directly on the other side in some spots. The first 2 crossings require you to turn right on the road, follow the road down a ways, and then pick up the trail. The 3rd crossing requires that you turn left on the road, follow it down past some train tracks, and then pick up the trail. These crossings are not well marked, leaving first time riders confused on which way to turn on the paved road.

If you are looking for a quick, smooth, flowing trail with mild ups and downs and a few technical challenges, this is the right trail for you. If you are looking for jumps, white-knuckle drops, and tight technical challenges, you may want to look elsewhere.

Contacts

Local Club: Motor City Mountain Biking Association

Land Manager: MI DNR - Island Lake State Recreation Area

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann with improvements by Jesse Roe
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 35 votes

#1

in Island Lake Recreation Area

#510

Overall
  4.1 from 35 votes
5 Star
34%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Island Lake Recreation…

#20

in Michigan

#510

Overall
3 Views Last Month
3,020 Since Aug 30, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
6%
18%
76%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

Honzo and I in the Badlands.
Dec 17, 2015 near Whitmor…, MI
Epic view!
Mar 5, 2020 near Whitmor…, MI
Badland Fat Bike Trail
Dec 3, 2024 near Whitmor…, MI
Picnic area and kiosk at Yellow Trail trailhead
Sep 4, 2014 near Brighton, MI

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 75 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 5, 2024
Natasha Beste
Total adventure cross-country - pretty flat but fun! Didn't love the high grass by the train tracks but doable! 10mi
Jul 1, 2024
Nick G
May 21, 2023
james raimar
it was not as easy for my beginner i brought here, she would disagree with the fast a flowey, and the uphill roots were yes a challange for beginners. 9.2mi — 1h 07m
Apr 2, 2022
Eric Cichy
9mi
Sep 23, 2021
Tommy Grill
Sep 9, 2021
Charles Calvin
Two sections of blue loop completely blocked by fallen trees, have to dismount and walk bike around off trail. Other than that trail in great shape. 9.1mi — 1h 20m
Jul 21, 2021
George Triantos
8.9mi
May 22, 2021
Henry Kondratko
First time on trail, was a lot of fun! 9.1mi

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