Pontiac Lake trail info

The trail has had some major changes...with more to come. Last year The MMBA made some great trail modifications and re-routed some of the old trails. Please obey any trail markers or trail closures. The goal is to seperate the MTB's and Equiestrian traffic, avoiding any possible conflicts. There are several noticeable changes, which have made it feel like an entirely new trail. There are still some favorite areas, but much of the fow is changed for the better.

Pontiac Lake is built on rolling hills with a lot of cruiseability, mixed in between the grinding climbs. The trail starts off on a nice short fire road, this is also where you will exit so keep your head up and be aware of oncoming traffic. Once on the fire road take the first left to get on the trails, remember to stay on the well established path (look for signs too). The new trail follows a nice curve around the outside of this small hill. After a short distance you will be presented with the first large climb, This is new as of 2001. This hill is probaly the toughest, with variying grades and switchbacks throughout. Once you finish this hill you are greeted with a great view of the lake (Image). This is a popular place for people to re-gain oxygen, loose that dizzy feeling, and re-group.
FYI: just over the hill (opposite the lake view) is the PLRA campground. A good thing to know in case of emergencies or mechanical problems. It is closed during winter months, but you can still ride through.

Once you regroup with your friends and catch your breath continue on the next roller coaster section. This is also new as of 2001. This is a very rolly section of single track that follows the bowl like contour of the land. Keep your eyes open for the "Double Drop" in this section too. After a small rock field you end up at a large grassy field and crossing the old trail. Continue straight up the low grade climb following the trail through a small wooded section to a "T". Go right, at the next "T" (about 50 yards further) go left, this will take you to the campground road (paved). The new continues across this road... The new trail crosses the older one a few times as well. These will lead to the next few miles of old but fun single-track.

FYI: If you need water, at this point your in luck. Turn right down the campground road (Paved) and locate the small paved parking lot on the left. Ride through this parking lot and follow the trail straight back till you hit the water pump. The pump is about 50-100 yards beyond the parking area.

The old section of trail was established years ago as one of the first MTB trails it was very tight and twisty, the trail has since widened a bit and become faster but also bumpier. The "Single-track section" ends with a long fast straight away that leads to left turn into more new trail. After a few miles of rolling/flat terrain you will come to newest controversial section. This area has several deep switchback burms, rolling down a small valley. Just after these is a short steep climb. These sections meet up again with the old trail as it crosses the old dirt road. Continue on the trail until you reach the 4 way intersection. Take the farthest left which leads to a rocky descent and climb, in this section you will find some rough terrain and a short steep hill. After the climb, go straight on a fast flat section leading to a sandy portion of trail. At the base of the downhill after the sandy pit go right heading back into the trees on the "Blue Panty Ridge" or sometimes just called Panty Ridge. The new trails here dump you out at the base of the old sandy loose downhill. Again cross the old dirt road, follow the trail through a few short short hills through some pine trees. Just after this is smooth sailing along the very fast straight away, and equally quick downhills. These areas lead past the landfill (on your left). Finally you are almost home, the last section includes the last hill; which is part straight forward approach and part switchback. Climb the hill and be rewarded with a the last descent over several speed bumps as you are spits back onto the dirt road heading to the parking lot.

Overall, this trail is fast with some sections you'll wonder how you made it through, it's become quite difficult over the last year or so. The trail is about 10.5 miles (parking lot to parking lot) with out short cuts. For more information concerning workdays and events at Pontiac Lake contact the Pontiac Lake Chapter of MMBA

Click HERE to download a printable map. You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print file

Directions | Pontiac Lake main | Mountain Bike main

Highland | Holdridge | Island Lake | Potowatomi Trail | Stony Creek