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

[stritz]

I am thinking about road tripping it there (2 hours each way) just based on your post. Can you be more specific as to what makes this the best mountain biking in Michigan? Thanks.

[chris_werth]

I am thinking about road tripping it there (2 hours each way) just based on your post. Can you be more specific as to what makes this the best mountain biking in Michigan? Thanks.

First let me say that I love trails like Hanson Hills and Boyne mountain. I love the climbs and the flowing singltrack that both offer. NCT is all of Boyne and Hanson rolled into one, but it is not a loop it is usually an out and back. So what you might of raced down you will have to climb up on the way back or vice versa.
The climbing is awesome, long gradual climbs where you can stay seated for most of the way only to stand at the end to complete it (I ride a Single speed). After the climb you are usually rewarded with a nice flowing singletrack, or a wicked fast downhill on a 3 foot wide trail. The bench cuts are like no others around, cut into the side of the hills like they were suppose to be there. Very little chatter bumps from riders over braking and the view, well I can't describe them.... You have to see them for yourself. You should have some stuff with you in case you break down, there is nothing around. Bring enough water for 3-4 hours. Be careful of hikers and bikers coming up the climbs. I would be very surprised if you don't enjoy the ride. It is well worth a 2 hour car ride. I live 3.5 hours away and would do a day trip with not even thinking twice.

[funkydrum]

Great description! I dig the NCT north of US10 to Udell Hills and especially north of M55 to Marilla trailhead. Great flow and all the climbing you can muster...

[stritz]

Thanks for the description. I am definately finding a good fall day in the next week or two and trying out NCT.

[McGurk]

Can anyone confirm whether the trail is still open? I saw a different site that said the trail closes to bikers on 9/30. I'm not sure this makes sense.

[funkydrum]

Which one? They all should be open with the exception of hunting restrictions in the Manistee N.F..

[McGurk]

Big M Trail - this pdf (http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/Recr ... _trail.pdf) says the bike trail is open until September 30. Is this incorrect? I'm a bit confused.

[funkydrum]

Big M Trail - this pdf (http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/Recr ... _trail.pdf) says the bike trail is open until September 30. Is this incorrect? I'm a bit confused.

I've ridden this until the snow flies OR Rifle season which is 11/15 I believe. Anyone else chime-in if you know otherwise.

[rideskake]

Can anyone give me an estimate time that it would take to ride from the Nichols Lake North Trailhead to the NCT Schoolhouse? I'm a weekend warrior rider and have hiked most of the trail in the Manistee but would like to do a multiday mountainbike trip in he spring.
Thanks,
Ric

[bradthemtnbiker]

does anybody know if theres anything manmade on these trails? (jumps, stunts, ladders, Etc.)

[funkydrum]

does anybody know if theres anything manmade on these trails? (jumps, stunts, ladders, Etc.)

None of the above, just gorgeous singletrack...

[SlowPoke]

We are looking at a ride this Saturday some place north of M10.

If we pick up the NCT at Timber Creek trail head, do you guys think it would be open and a good ride heading north?

I have never been on this section of trail and would love some advice. We are staying at Wolf Lake and would not want to drive any further then we need to in order to. The group will be a mix of riders and I would not want to turn any of the new guys off to the sport. Is this area ok to give mnt biking a try?

[RickPlite]

We are looking at a ride this Saturday some place north of M10.

If we pick up the NCT at Timber Creek trail head, do you guys think it would be open and a good ride heading north?

I have never been on this section of trail and would love some advice. We are staying at Wolf Lake and would not want to drive any further then we need to in order to. The group will be a mix of riders and I would not want to turn any of the new guys off to the sport. Is this area ok to give mnt biking a try?

It is an excellent section to ride. It is open all year so wear bright colors this time of year. Park at the US 10 entrance (Timber Creek Campground) and ride north until you are ready to turn back. The trail does climb gradually the first 1.5-2 miles, which may turn a beginner off, but it is very gradual and well worth the effort. After that the trail is rolling with fun ups and downs. On the return trip some of the up hills are long but again pretty gradual. This section is not as hilly or advanced(off cambered) as the Red Bridge section.

[SlowPoke]

Cool.
Thanks Rick. I was going to email you if no one offered any words of wisdom here. :-)

That sounds like a great place to start and we are staying less then 10 miles from that trail head. If the guys know they are in for a long slow climb, that should help them mentally prepare. We will do an out and back so every climb is down hill on the way back. I would rather start with a hill climb then end with one for this group.

Thanks again.

Doug

[bradthemtnbiker]

does anybody know if theres anything manmade on these trails? (jumps, stunts, ladders, Etc.)

None of the above, just gorgeous singletrack...

does anyone know where i could find a trail that had some of that kind of stuff on it (around northern michigan, specificly within 50 miles of Traverse City)?