Trail System
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
Create your own self-supported adventure! Remember to pack basic tools, tubes, chain parts, plenty of water, snacks and other other necessities you may need while out on the trail. While the Mountain Bike Patrol will be around to assist with mechanical failures and medical issues, all riders should be prepared to support themselves while out in the wilderness!
SINGLETRACK - Mountain bike required
Milford Mountain Bike Trail - Your closest option to all the festival action! Approximately 6 miles in length and intersects the paved Milford Trail multiple times. Tight, twisty, intermediate level single-track that will begin to test your technical prowess but still provides enough flow to add some fun factor.
Proud Lake Recreation Area - Accessible from Garden Rd or the Kensington Connector. Trails are shared use with equestrians. Loose and sandy in spots, simple in nature but plenty of manageable climbs to get your heart rate up! Trail system has 2 loops and 3 connectors that total approximately 10 miles, and gets you to the Kensington Connector or Hickory Glen. Loop 4 is a flowy loop of singletrack sweetness. Loop 3 (aka Hermann's Dream) is a rollercoaster of flow. The Garden Road Connector (formerly loop 2) and the Wixom Road connector (formerly loop 1) are fun old-school type two-way sections. Finally the Campground Bypass is a section of beautiful singletrack that takes you to the paved pathway to Hickory Glen. In between you can test your speed on the Proud Lake two-track section.
Kensington Connector - Connects Proud Lake from loop 4 to the east side of Kensington Metropark from Old Plank Rd to Milford Rd. 2 miles of simple singletrack gets you between two major park systems without having to leave a bike path! Not shared with equestrians; bikers and hikers only. Two-way
traffic is present on this trail. (Pro-tip: West bound is the fun way!)
Island Lake - A singletrack highway that entertains beginners to advanced riders alike. Lots of flow, speed if you want it, nothing too technical but expect some climbs. 15 miles total contains two loops: Blue (beginner - 9 miles) and Yellow (Intermediate - 6 miles). While you are welcome to make the drive, it is a 10 mile paved path ride over from Downtown Milford to the trailhead for those trying to put some extra miles in the bank.
Hickory Glen - Tight and twisty, but not a lot of elevation so beginners will find this trail manageable at slower speeds. Great opportunity for advanced riders to test their handling skills at higher speeds! Approximately 6 miles in length, Hickory Glen is accessible from Proud Lake via the paved Lakes Community trail (approximately 3 miles away). It is possible to reach this trail from Proud Lake without riding on any roads thanks to these great pathways!
Highland Recreation Area - This trail is great for experienced mountain bikers who want to push their limits. This trail has it all. Expect a lot of twists and turns, elevation, roots, and rocks, and depending on your pain tolerance... lots of smiles! The entire system is 16 miles in length, but thanks to shortcuts and 4 loop options, one can attempt just a few miles without having to commit the entire day to exploring this trail system. This is accessible from Main St Grill via 3-4.5 miles of dirt roads, depending on where you cut into the trail.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Guided Rides to explore the trails with seasoned leaders and other cyclists. If you're more into a self-guided ethos, you can check out some route-starters we put together for you:
- Just getting started or looking to stay close to downtown? This 7-mile loop will take you to Milford Trail and back via the Jankowski Field trailhead.
- If you're ready for a workout and to put your bike skills to the test, then start with your A-B-C-D's with this 19-mile route from downtown Milford to Highland Recreation Area.
- Chances are you haven't spent much time on the Proud Lake Recreation Area trails. It's only a little over 12-miles to hit all 4 loops of Proud Lake from downtown.14 Mile Proud Lake West Exploration route.
- For the true explorer, however, look no further than this 40-mile route to Hickory Glen via the Kensington Connector trails, Proud Lake Recreation Area trails, and the Lakes Community Trail.
And if if just can't choose, then maybe the 100 (ish)-mile Challenge is for you!
