Highland R.A., MI trail info

Highland R.A. Trail Info

Trail Description
Highland State Rec. Area is one if the newer Michigan trails, Only a handful of years old. The design is tight, slow technical riding, a handling skills test piece. Every time I go I get mentally fried, 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.

Highland State Rec. Area has 4 different MTB specific loops you can attempt, A,B,C, and D, for a total of 16 miles. B and D loops both link to the A loop, while C loop is accessed from the B loop. A loop is a 3.8 mile warm up that connects to a 5.9 mile B loop (or you can bail after the loop). Both A and B are medium speed to slow, tight, and technical. They both trend towards a intermediate or expert rider.

C and D loops are definitely expert level trails. C loop is a 2.4mile which is accessed from the B loop. It is the rockiest of the sections, this is apparent by the (see image left). many turns filled with grapefruit sized stones, and towards the end of this torture is a long burning climb with some switchbacks. You exit C right were you began, then head back on B to either finish for the day or try your luck at D.

The D loop is accessed near the end of the A loop. D loop is the most difficult of the 4, the speeds average 3-4 miles and hour at times. It has the impossible rock garden hidden within, as well as a few tricky ascents and descents. This is one section you really should question before attempting it. If you wish to continue make sure you have enough water and supplies.

Trail Map