The DTE Energy Foundation Trail is a single-track, cutting-edge and sustainable trail located in southeast Michigan designed for mountain biking; however, running, hiking and cross-country skiing are allowed as well. Known as a "flow trail,” the surface of the trail is mechanically cut to create highly structured grades and outslopes. The loops cover varying terrain and experience levels, including technical, downhill and climbing features.
The trail consists of four loops, including the Green Lake Loop (5.2 miles), Big Kame Loop (4.75 miles, Winn Loop (8 miles) and Sugar Loop (4 miles). The newest segment is the Sugar Loop and is the most technical.
The trail is located seven miles north of Chelsea on M52 in Waterloo Recreation Area, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor and 30 minutes east of Jackson. There are two trailheads:
- M52 trailhead, 17819 N M-52, Chelsea, MI 48118
- Cassidy Road trailhead, 16500 Cassidy Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association, a nonprofit organization and chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association, spearheaded the trail development in partnership with the DNR. DTE Energy Foundation provided a $255,000 grant to fund the project.
Weather and parking lot closure updates: The DNR and the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association work together to preserve and protect the trail. As a result, the trail parking lot will intermittently close when erosive trail conditions exist due to wet weather. Updates will be posted on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail Facebook page.
Additional trail information can be found at DTETrail.org.
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