Huron-Manistee National Forest: NCT, Big-M, Hungerford, etc.

[Special Goodness]

Hungerford is well marked.

[RickPlite]

Big M is well marked, 30 min from Cadillac, good conditions and over 30 miles of trail to choose from. Start by riding the 17 mile outer loop, then hit some inner loops if you have time and energy

[funkydrum]

Big M is VERY well marked and are all loops so there is no getting lost.

You can climb all day until your legs scream !!

[jrshome]

Hmmm, Big M looks like it could work. Kind of a long drive, about 90 mins, but I have heard good things about it and If it is well marked sounds like it could be a plan...

[Mud_Blaster]

how's big M, and the surrounding trails, looking for this weekend?

[RickPlite]

big m is dry and good to ride, a few sticks and branches, 2 downed trees but all in all it is in great shape for this time of year. NCT is the same

[Mud_Blaster]

are there any events this weekend?

actually, anywhere in the manistee area...i'll be up there

[WishIcouldcatchmybreath]

Big M was in great shape today - a little leafy and a little sandy in spots, but otherwise great! I ended up riding the entire outer loop, as well as the "outer" ring of trails on the inner loop. The big hill just out of the parking lot was totally ridable up...not torn up yet. I'm not sure when the new signage/maps were added, but they were very welcome, especially on the inner loop! Thanks!

[Irish57]

Just curious. How far is the outer loop mileage wise?

[funkydrum]

Outer loop is aprox 17 mi

[WishIcouldcatchmybreath]

The outer loop is 17 miles, if you take the firetower climb route.....if you take the direct route, its a mile or two shorter (I haven't measured that route).

[bleve]

I was just up at Hungerford before the holiday weekend and rode the longer B loop first. While riding I was able to move about four or five decent sized trees out of the trail. The next day I took out three of the four major trees down on the trail when I had a saw. I only didn't get to the last one as you're heading back towards the campground. After that I rode the shorter A loop and found the section across the middle had at least four major trees down that need a saw (and I didn't have it on me). Anyway, the rest of the trail is in decent shape and it's a great ride. Hopefully people can get out on the trail and enjoy.

[Josh McCreedy]

Marilla to Dilling Road was in great condition Saturday. Moved two small oaks by hand but there was one down that will require a chain saw. I just can't recall where it was...
Udell to Freesoil was a bit more leafy, but so fast. I still can't get over how good that ride is: easy navigation, vistas, mileage, solitude.

Arcadia was in incredible shape Sunday with lots of riders, hikers, and some trail runners. Great bike handling, but not slow with really interesting trail design. Great work everyone.

[funkydrum]

NCT from US 10 north to 3 mile road was pristine. No downed logs and trail was perfect condition. Too bad my freewheel blew up on mile 10 of 18 leaving me with an 8 mi return walk. Could have been worse... as it was a real nice day.

[Guppie]

Can you guys help me with NCT, I've never ridden. Seems extremely complicated. I am coming from Allendale so was thinking about starting at M-20 trailhead in White Cloud but the trail guide says to avoid. Is that up to date or is it okay to ride? Are these two way trails?