MCMBA: Proud Lake

[J/C]

Rode loop 1 last night, kind of rough at the start due to lots of horse traffic, but it's in good shape overall. Little bit wet in spots but things should dry out this week.

[J/C]

Rode Loops 1 and 2 last night. Loop 1 is great, smooth and fast. 2 is pretty hooved up in some spots. Did some hand pruning of overhanging branches and bushes in blind corners.

[Builder-Bill]

The Trails are in great shape. I mowed loops 1,2,3 and 4 over the weekend.
Getting it ready for the Milford Trail Challenge....Its this weekend. June 2.
Bill and Sam the Trail Dog.

[jpjones]

I'm surprised to see the "Easy" designation for Proud Lake trails. While the trails aren't incredibly technical, the overall rugged terrain along with the MANY challenging climbs found in Loops 3 and 4 would easily warrant an "Intermediate" designation in my humble opinion.

I was just out for a ride of loops 1-4 on Tuesday and had a great time - trail conditions were fantastic. We didn't see a single other person out there. While I enjoy some of the other trails like PLRA and Poto a lot more, I think Proud Lake is very underrated, underappreciated, and underused. It's a very nice change of pace.

Thanks to those responsible for the maintenace of Proud Lake.

[irishpitbull]

I'm surprised to see the "Easy" designation for Proud Lake trails. While the trails aren't incredibly technical, the overall rugged terrain along with the MANY challenging climbs found in Loops 3 and 4 would easily warrant an "Intermediate" designation in my humble opinion.

I was just out for a ride of loops 1-4 on Tuesday and had a great time - trail conditions were fantastic. We didn't see a single other person out there. While I enjoy some of the other trails like PLRA and Poto a lot more, I think Proud Lake is very underrated, underappreciated, and underused. It's a very nice change of pace.

Thanks to those responsible for the maintenace of Proud Lake.

I'll have to get out there. Are there signs for trail head? Thanks for the review.

[jpjones]

I just use a make-shift "parking area" on the South side of Garden Road maybe a 1/2 mile West of Wixom Road where my friends and I park our cars. This clearing where I park just appears like a bunch of weeds matted down, but you can pull your car up into it quite easily. Ride your bike a couple hundred yards South from there, and you cut into the trails near the beginning of Loop 1. Follow the horse-shoe equestrian arrows (because these bike trails are shared with the horses). You will see a lot of horse dumpings that serve as additional obstacles to avoid

There is a small park area with a trail head and a map further West down Garden Road, but since it is a dead end, you won't be able to drive your car all the way to the trail-head. This trail head serves as the beginning of Loops 1 and 2. There must be access to this area via car through another route.

As mentioned before, Loops 3 and 4 are where the challenge is, but Loops 1 and 2 are worth a ride while you are there. If you want to skip straight to Loops 3 and 4 (from the parking area I mentioned above), ride your bike further West down Garden Road over the small wooden bridge and then to the start of Loop 2. Stay left at the intersection and ride directly to the rail road tracks. Cross the tracks, and follow the trail to the right. This is the start of Loop 3. Bring a print out of the map with you, it will come in handy.

Enjoy!

[wspfan]

I agree that they are nice trails, but at times the horse's do chew up the trail quite a bit and I wish it were ridden more. I ride in from Sleeth to loop 2>loop 3>loop 4 to the Kensington connector>Milford>Kensington connector>2nd half of loop 4>loop 1>back home.

[ColorVoyeur]

Only in Michigan can mountain bikers complain about a trail being too rough.

[Spinwheel]

I'm surprised to see the "Easy" designation for Proud Lake trails. While the trails aren't incredibly technical, the overall rugged terrain along with the MANY challenging climbs found in Loops 3 and 4 would easily warrant an "Intermediate" designation in my humble opinion.

I was just out for a ride of loops 1-4 on Tuesday and had a great time - trail conditions were fantastic. We didn't see a single other person out there. While I enjoy some of the other trails like PLRA and Poto a lot more, I think Proud Lake is very underrated, underappreciated, and underused. It's a very nice change of pace.

Thanks to those responsible for the maintenace of Proud Lake.

I'll have to get out there. Are there signs for trail head? Thanks for the review.

I made a series of ppt maps with parking options, the trail loops and park features noted - if any would like a copy pm me your email.

My favourite loops are 1 and 4 and the Kensington connector with options for an out and back or a loop through Milford or Island Lake. I rarely ride loop 2. I always ride in from Hickory Glen Park on the paved path and through the Proud Lake campground ect...

[irishpitbull]

Loop 3-4 are legit. But there is too much horse *beep* and deep sand IMO.

[Spinwheel]

Loop 3-4 are legit. But there is too much horse and deep sand IMO.

Leave your mark too - ride over and through all horse piles!!!

[Gfish29]

I've ridden parts of Proud Lake about 7 times now since Bill mowed it down. The trail is in excellent shape and there have not been very many horses lately either. In fact, I rode there today but also to Island Lake & it was Island Lake that had more face slappers. Historically, Proud Lake has been the jungle adventure of this area, but it is pretty awesome right now. I've really enjoyed it out there lately.
Thanks Bill!

[Builder-Bill]

I trimmed some more slapper back today. The trail is in great shape...Old school style riding trails... So ride it or lose it.
Bill and Sam the trail Dog

[Builder-Bill]

I just use a make-shift "parking area" on the South side of Garden Road maybe a 1/2 mile West of Wixom Road where my friends and I park our cars. This clearing where I park just appears like a bunch of weeds matted down, but you can pull your car up into it quite easily. Ride your bike a couple hundred yards South from there, and you cut into the trails near the beginning of Loop 1. Follow the horse-shoe equestrian arrows (because these bike trails are shared with the horses). You will see a lot of horse dumpings that serve as additional obstacles to avoid

There is a small park area with a trail head and a map further West down Garden Road, but since it is a dead end, you won't be able to drive your car all the way to the trail-head. This trail head serves as the beginning of Loops 1 and 2. There must be access to this area via car through another route.

As mentioned before, Loops 3 and 4 are where the challenge is, but Loops 1 and 2 are worth a ride while you are there. If you want to skip straight to Loops 3 and 4 (from the parking area I mentioned above), ride your bike further West down Garden Road over the small wooden bridge and then to the start of Loop 2. Stay left at the intersection and ride directly to the rail road tracks. Cross the tracks, and follow the trail to the right. This is the start of Loop 3. Bring a print out of the map with you, it will come in handy.

Enjoy!

A good place to park is the corner of Dawson Rd and Child lake Rd, that were loop 4 starts.
Bill and Sam the trail Dog

[davedejonge]

I made a map of the park that helps on some of the shortcuts that don't show up on the official map...



This might help some first timers.