Historical Rouge Park Discussion

[bmxotto]

I don't post much,also I am not sure the last time anyone work on this trail,but I rode it in last Oct 07 & also May08 and the only things in the trail
is one big tree that been down along time and your normal sticks,not a lot of trash,I would love to see this trail done! Last year I rode it around 20times,if I had time I would be the TC,but I don't I am willing to help work on itI don't really check my pm,so post here or call T&C 734 421 5030
OTTO

[scat silvurz]

I probably shouldn't say this, but I will anyway.....

Most of the 1 mile of trail that exists, is built directly on the Rouge River flood plain floor....the trail meanders through, up, and down the 20' high ravine that contains the flood plain. If you don't believe me, then see for yourself. The ground takes FOREVER to dry out there, and as the other poster said, there are nearby trails that are dry, when Rouge is still moist. It's not like other rivers, for the RR is used to collect storm water runoff from the entire metro detroit grid that borders the river corridor - that's A LOT OF WATER. Get a good rainstorm and the flood plain gets flooded!

My first trail day, I was silently scratching my head thinking "why would someone put a trail HERE, in the bottom of the flood plain?", but since they already had over 1/2 mile built, I figured they knew better than I did, and I shut my mouth.

As many riders and trail volunteers have sadly discovered, the rouge trail never seems to dry up - which was an unfortunate suprise to many of the people who volunteered their time to install the existing trail. Unfortunate yes, but you can't change the local hydrology....maybe if the trail was above the ravine, and used the bulk of the rest of Rouge Park for laying out a trail system, it might work??? Hmmmmm.... But as it sits, it sits in it's wet pants all year long, and the toilet paper roll is empty....

It's nice to dream, but the location of the trail should be above the flood line, not below it!

[chris_f]

Scott, I understand and appreciate your concerns. That's why DWSD is digging a new pipeline to relieve the Rouge River from overflow:
http://www.dwsd.org/projects/rouge_proj ... uchure.pdf


However, not all of the trail is below the floodplain, and at the last trailday we were scouting new options based on the same concerns. But to be fair, even after heavy rains I've never seen the actual trail we cut flooded. No more damp than Lakeshore after a good storm, and similar topography (same river! ). It's also important to keep in mind this is one block in a huge park. There are other blocks within the park that are ripe for a trail that don't have the same issues, and those should be considered too. Like certain other trails, this one may have a longer spring dry-out period.

As I said before, there's no need for the organization to worry about it at this point. If we can assemble a new trail team and TC (and it sounds like there is interest), there are many resources we can take advantage of, including the sustainable trailbuilding and hydrology understanding of the MMBA. But I don't expect the organization to go out of its way, volunteers must come forward. Keep riding, maintaining and supporting your local trails. This one's closest to me, so it's going to be up to me and my neighbors to take the lead.

Work in progress.

[scat silvurz]

I guess the part that ultimately bummed me out about the trails was that is was planned as a point to point trail - correct me if I'm wrong but the existing trail starts at a parking lot and ends at a road. Kinda like that Alaskan pork barrel "bridge to nowhere".

Rouge Park is pretty big, and there's no reason why an actual loop couldn't be strung out thru the park [kinda like Ella Sharp Park in Jackson!].....but, as chris said - that would take people. If there were a new vision for a trail system that was attractive and similar to our familiar loop based trails layouts, a new TC might generate interest in reviving the project.

Rouge Park is a blank canvas, but we need some painters to make a painting.

[mtnbkmyk]

Part of the return leg of the first loop is started and most of it is marked - none of that section has been too wet to use most times I have been there - I've ridden there a couple of times and I use it for trail run training becasue I live nearby in Dearborn - unfortunately the markings stop before the loop is finished and I've gotten a little messed up getting out. As I recall, the discussion was, at one point, focused on trying to put together a set of loops (block to block) one could connect for longer or shorter rides. There are plenty of trails to develop out there.

Make no mistake, to be a really useful trail, it would be A LOT of work and it would take A LOT of activity from legitimate user groups to drive out the less legit park users. That suggests a very long development time frame. Honestly, this aspect should not be underestimated for this trail.

I'm no builder bill type and not in the position to be a TC - I wish I could. But that is the thing with the trail - it will need a really big investment of time from a few leaders (along with the usual willingness of trail day volunteers - I'm more in that group and would be happy to go back to helping out on RP trail days as I did in the past) - if those time investors can be identified before existing work deteriorates, cool...if not then the organization should just move on rather than taking continued little stabs at the project. Quality work has been done there but it has been a struggle just to get a half mile or so of trail almost usable.

[bmxotto]

Rode the trail today, made a fun log ride,not for the fate of heart,skills needed,I know it will not remain in place,but it sure was fun making w/o tools and riding it,I also put the yellow warning tape back up,so people know not to ride that area.Also marked another area with logs,so you can follow the trail better.Great work to all that have been working on this trail(thank you),next trail day I will do my best to come help

[macbean]

Rode the trail today, number of trees down. a few need a chainsaw, most just need a couple of people to deal with them.


oh, and watch out for... 'hikers' on the trail.

[froggyrider]

We were going to saw the trees today, but we ran out of time. That will be done soon.

For pics of today's trail day- follow this link:


viewtopic.php?f=45&t=96748

[tstefani]

So now we wait for the clearing crew that is comming out in June/Julyish for the new parts of the trail

[froggyrider]

Did a walk through on the Rouge Trail with Evan from the SCA, who is in charge of the trail crews who will cut the new trail this July. Chris and Jason, our fabulous TC's at Rouge gave Aaron the tour of our flagging. The new cut will be AWESOME to ride later this summer!

[jwhitey]

This trail would be convenient for a night ride but.... maybe with shoulder holster?

[froggyrider]

Come on out to the Rouge Park Appreciation Days- the MMBA will be there Sunday, June 6th with our grill (more to be posted soon).

That way, you can dispell some of your stereotypes about the park in the City of Detroit.

Link: http://www.rougepark.org/Events-in-the-Park.php

[jwhitey]

I'll try to make it. I've ridden it before and it's a great little section of trail. The builders did a great job but lots of traffic is what it really needs.
Last year I was riding through the area so I went in a little to the north of joy rd. Lots of cars parked on OD, I thought maybe a trail day? So I rode down towards the river only to find a circle jerk going on. I thought I had ridden in to a see of Deliverence. I'm already aware of what goes on at night in rouge park but the daytime activites were a bit of a supprise. This, I'm affraid will deture the traffic that the trail needs. I would love to dispell my stereotypes and I would like to feel comfortable riding there durring the day or at night but I tend to ride alone 99% of the time.

[rippledabs]

Thinking about heading out tonight to this trail for the frist time. How is the condition? Good place for newbies like myself? (starting 3 weeks ago).

[jwhitey]

As I remember it, it's not really a beginer trail. There are some tricky spots but it's only about a mile or a mile and half. Out and back unless a new section is open accross the river.