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The Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail west of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a 36-mile, 3-day trail. It travels between Big Portage Lake Day Use Area and Silver Lake Beach and affords recreational opportunities to hikers, mountain bikers (26 miles of hiking trails are open to mountain biking, including the very-challenging Potawatomi mountain bike loop), horseback riders, geocachers, and cross-country skiers. The trail is well-marked by DNR trail triangles that you need to keep your eye on particularly when crossing Park Lyndon, a metropolitan parcel. The trail is considered a moderate hike that explores small creeks, lowlands and high ridges that are enjoyable for those desiring a challenge but easy enough for the moderately physically fit. Significant ascents include the very picturesque Pond Lily Lookout and Sackrider Hill, a climb to nearly 1,200 feet. The lowlands areas, particularly in the vicinity of Baldwin Road, are favorable habitat for songbirds. Ridge walking along the crests of glacial eskers and between kettle lakes and bogs featuring carnivorous plants are a memorable lesson in geology, the educational opportunity exploited at the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, mid-way along the trail. Camping is available at designated sites: Sugarloaf Lake Campground and Green Lake Campground. Be prepared for road crossings and a brush with property lines adjoining a state correctional facility near Green Lake (is that group calisthenics or a prison uprising you're hearing in the distance?..). Compass, binoculars, water, appropriate attire, maps, and bug repellant are recommended. Have a great time!
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Links:
DNR Waterloo Recreation Area
DNR Pinckney Recreation Area
MMBA Poto Chapter Mountain Biking the "Poto"
Trail Marathon (and half-marathon) on the Potawatomi Trail April, every year, by Running Fit
Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center Interpretive educational programs
Up North Michigan Michigan Outdoor Recreation Books
Geocaching (a scavenger hunt in the woods using GPS) on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail:
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