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

[funkydrum]

How is the Hungerford trail? I have been riding Big M a lot and digging it. I'm in Pentwater so Big M is fairly close.

Hungerford is quite a drive for me, will I be thrilled or disapointed?

[Special Goodness]

How is the Hungerford trail? I have been riding Big M a lot and digging it. I'm in Pentwater so Big M is fairly close.

Hungerford is quite a drive for me, will I be thrilled or disapointed?

I hate to say this because I really would like as many people to ride Hungerford as possible, but I don't think you will be thrilled. I also don't think you will be disappointed. It's a beautiful area, especially this time of the year, and the trail is nice but it isn’t as long/technical/difficult as some other Michigan trails. It has a couple areas similar to “the pines” at Yankee but more of them and longer. There are a couple good climbs and one very technical climb (counter-clockwise, about .2 miles after crossing the power line cut). Signage used to be a problem, but Nate and I took care of that. To me, the trail feels remote and a little more natural and less contrived than some other Michigan trails. It isn’t my favorite trail because it lacks some of the challenges that I look for in a trail, but the scenery, the sections that I really enjoy, and the fact that I’ve put a lot of my personal time into this trail put it solidly in my top 5.

[funkydrum]

Cool...

Sounds like something worth trying.

[MusicManBikingAimlessly]

Rode it Friday up to 6 Mile near Loda Lake and there were two areas where trees are blocking the trail. Should have kept track of exactly where they are on my computer but was having too much fun riding and enjoying the day..

[Special Goodness]

The google map to the trail head to Hungerford is way off. Map Link

[marilla man]

Rode Sunday morning from the NCT trailhead on M-55. Mostly clear, but pine plantations on the outer loop of Big M are still nearly 100% snow covered and unridable. Other than that I ran into a few areas on north slopes where snow is still to deep to ride. Had to walk through a few spots (nothing longer than 50 yards). I didn't even try to ride near the cross country trails because I'm sure there was still snow on them. Should be snow free by Easter Weekend!

[funkydrum]

Rode Big M today and was in good shape. The snow is gone, no big trees down but lots of winter twigs on the trail.

Had a blast !!!

[Skin N Bones]

Rode Udell 4-18 and it was good to go.
All is good in the world.
SNB

[mtb.andy]

I just rode Hungerford Lake. The leaves can misguide you a little if you don't pay attention and a few logs are blocking, other than those few things trail is good to ride.

-Andy

[Riceman]

Looking to ride the Big M 5.8.2009. Anyone have a good map I can download to my GPS? Send me a message if you do please.

Thanks.

[RickPlite]

www.lumberjack100.com has the big m map under course map

[funkydrum]

Looking to ride the Big M 5.8.2009. Anyone have a good map I can download to my GPS? Send me a message if you do please.

Thanks.

No map needed. Trails are VERY well marked with maps at all trail junctions. Color-coded confidence markers will keep you on course.

It's one of my favorite places, enjoy.

[funkydrum]

Rode most of Big M trails last weekend and they are in GREAT shape. Only a couple of trees down but unfortunately didn't mark the waypoints.

Enjoy

[Special Goodness]

I rode Hungerford this morning. There were 3 or 4 trees that were to big to ride over, and I didn't bring tools to remove them. Overall the trail is in really good condition. Things are starting to green up and it's getting pretty up there.

[jrshome]

Any status/info on the trails around Cadillac area? I am going to be in Harrison at my inlaws cabin and wanted to hit some trails. Usually go up and ride Hanson Hills but was thinking something different would be nice. Experienced rider, but will be on my own so I need something well marked.

Thanks for any assistance