Northern: Rifle River

[Laser4G63]

I was out there on the 22nd as well. Rode ~30 miles, several laps. On my first lap, I had to clear a bunch of small dead trees off the trail that some idiot was nice enough to place there. This was after the Lost Lake turn off and before the hanging bridge. Other than that, and literally running into another biker (both of us and our bikes were OK), the trails were in great shape for the two weeks I was up there.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to ride Ogemaw Hills. I just liked the convenience of riding RR and then going swimming after my ride.

[vette-ss]

Planning a camping trip here in about a month. Want to explore this trail as well as others nearby. This one doesn't look like a full loop by the map. Do you have to ride roads to get from the end back to the start?

[Sortaslow]

Only small road poritons through the park.

[Zoo1424]

If you start out of the parking lot by the beach at Grousehaven Lake & pretty much follow the numbered posts, you can do about a 12-14 mile loop. There is a small section early on where you are on the road for maybe a half mile. You will also need to carry your bike across the swinging bridge near the back of the park to continue on the trail. Between markers 5-8 I believe, is the most challenging part of the trail. About a 3/4 mile climb, followed by a great descent of the same length. There's a few other hills near the beginning, & after that it's just a nice scenic ride.

[Laser4G63]

I think the climbs are even better when, on your return to the parking lot, you ride 5-8 in reverse (8, 7, 6, 5). Makes for a nice end to your ride. You do have to keep an eye/ear out for bikers coming toward you if they are riding the "normal" way.

[Zoo1424]

Rode up here on 9/12. Trails were in fine shape, though everything was pretty dry. I believe it rained a day or two later, but I don't think it had much effect as far as the trail conditions go.

[Zoo1424]

Rode most of the trails on 12/2/12. Trails were in the shape you would expect this time of the year, leaf covered with a few trees down. Overall, not too bad.