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

[Todd Scott]

Post trail conditions and problem reports for trails located within the Huron-Manistee National Forest

[kblakeyshell]

The trails are in all open and most if not all of the big logs are removed. However, the trails have tons of leaves on them and there are lots of small derailleur eating sticks. We are working on getting the trail cleaned up but it is going to take us awhile. I will be posting breif updates about trail conditions on this site and more detailed information will be at http://www.honoredstudents.org/bbudell/.

[kblakeyshell]

We got out last night and raked Shanty Boy and the Bonus Run. Hope to be clearing up Sky Pilot (*beep* berms) and the Firetower Trail in the next week. Enjoy!!

[MusicManBikingAimlessly]

Friday afternoon I drove up to Baldwin and rode the NCT from 56th Street to M10.. A few trees down across the trail starting about 2 miles into the ride. Most of the fallen trees can easily be removed by 2 or 3 people while the bigger trees will have to be cut with chain saws... Overall, it was a great 19 mile ride!

I'll be riding Timber Creek, Freesoil, & Udell soon and will post trail conditions on those rides as well...

[MusicManBikingAimlessly]

The trails are in all open and most if not all of the big logs are removed. However, the trails have tons of leaves on them and there are lots of small derailleur eating sticks. We are working on getting the trail cleaned up but it is going to take us awhile. I will be posting breif updates about trail conditions on this site and more detailed information will be at http://www.honoredstudents.org/bbudell/.

I hear ya! I was out 2 weeks ago on the M20 section and was barely more than a mile into the ride when one of those freekin' sticks jumped up out of the leaves and snapped the derailleur clean off of my bike!

[MusicManBikingAimlessly]

After getting my derailleur hanger replaced, I went back and rode Segment E of the NCT north from M20 to Loda Lake. Overall, the trail is in good condition until about 2.2 miles into the ride where there are 2 big ass trees down across the trail. The first tree has an improvised and jagged little detour to the left of the tree. The trail then crosses a 2 track and into a small open meadow. When re-entering the forest is where the 2nd downed tree is. This pine tree is very large and there is no easy way of detouring around it because of other trees and heavy brush. It's going to have to be opened back up with chain saws.
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[Gripshift]

I hear ya! I was out 2 weeks ago on the M20 section and was barely more than a mile into the ride when one of those freekin' sticks jumped up out of the leaves and snapped the derailleur clean off of my bike! [/quote]

I have had that happen twice, always seems to be a fall ride. That's why I use XT rear derailleurs they are cheaper to replace.

[MusicManBikingAimlessly]

I hear ya! I was out 2 weeks ago on the M20 section and was barely more than a mile into the ride when one of those freekin' sticks jumped up out of the leaves and snapped the derailleur clean off of my bike!
I have had that happen twice, always seems to be a fall ride. That's why I use XT rear derailleurs they are cheaper to replace.

[/quote]


I have been riding mountain bikes since 1995 and have only had this happen once.... Right now I'm happily riding a Giant NRS 2 with grip and an XT rear derailleur...

[Sixty-Six]

There isn't a map for the Big M here, so visit this site for some great detailed info. Some nice maps with topography! Great job on the site!

http://www.honoredstudents.org/bbudell/ ... ptions.htm

[Todd Scott]

I've added these Big M links to our Trail Guide.

[Sixty-Six]

Thanks for setting up the link for Udell Hills. Rode those for the first time this weekend and hit most.. but I wish I could have hit the old Off-Camber, Oh My's and Big Wheel, but was with a bunch of guys even newer to MTB than me. the East-->West Double bit uphill wore them out early... Nice trails and some good crunches up hills. The best view that I saw was at Capper's Corner, but I didn't hit FireTower trail. Next time. Enjoying your forums and tips... thanks for the site!

Ride on.

[blamp28]

Took two sons to Big M on Saturday, 6/19. What a great day! I love this system. There is a nice mix of trails and the weather in usually a little cool. Bring plenty of bug spray though. The bugs are big and plentifull.

[jozwikjp]

Rode NCT up by st ignace MI. on Saturday the 17th. Trail is in good condition. Short walk through a swamp and thats it. Hardly any brush or trees down.

[James Taylor]

There is a tree down on the Double Bit by a two-track. Also, there are two trees down on the Catamont just after the begining. They were too large and long to move aside.

The trail was fast and the sand was packed.

Waterboy

[Todd Scott]

Note that the NCT Marilla trailhead will remain temporarily closed until March 1st rather than December 1st. According to the Forest Service, "the logger started at another compartment first. The only snowplowed trail access is the parking lot at High Bridge on the Manistee River, if one wanted to ski or snowshoe along the NCT. "

More info at http://mmba.org/viewtopic.php?p=117278#117278