Poto: Morton-Taylor Trails

[jwhitey]

Sorry for that ramble, I've only been there a handful of times. I still haven't decided on a continuous lap. I have never been across Sheldon rd but each time I go to MT it's a little better. I'll find 'em next time. Thanks

[Jay22]

Ah. It gets really easy after a while. PM Me if you are planning ahead of time to go out there and I can try to meet you. Im not that far.

[jwhitey]

How many miles of trail are snake leg and maple?

[ibisman]

let me know ahead of time and I can go out if I'm not working...Uggg.

[ibisman]

I did all the loops and the new ones...Maple and snake tail and got 7.1 miles.

[jwhitey]

Does that mean that snake and maple are about 2 miles? I remember getting in about 10 miles after doing 2 laps, granted they were not the same exact laps.

[deezler]

Are there any plans to improve signage and flow or better connecting the disparate trails?

Have to say, given all the attention this thread gets, these trails sound like a lot of fun, but not knowing where the heck I am going and having to link together dinky 1 and 2 mile long loops is keeping me from making the trip out. Seems like with a little more effort and forethought the various loops could be linked in a more continuous fashion? Or does that not fit the plan for this park? I know the trail system has grown piece by piece over the years. But with 5 or 6+ total miles built now, is there any desire to create one master, destination-quality trail?

Maybe a better trail map would help too; having to read that word document and memorize trail locations and descriptions isn't the best either. Not to sound like a d!ck, sorry. I'm sure it would all make some sense if I actually just got out there and tried it out.

[Jay22]

Are there any plans to improve signage and flow or better connecting the disparate trails?

Have to say, given all the attention this thread gets, these trails sound like a lot of fun, but not knowing where the heck I am going and having to link together dinky 1 and 2 mile long loops is keeping me from making the trip out. Seems like with a little more effort and forethought the various loops could be linked in a more continuous fashion? Or does that not fit the plan for this park? I know the trail system has grown piece by piece over the years. But with 5 or 6+ total miles built now, is there any desire to create one master, destination-quality trail?

Maybe a better trail map would help too; having to read that word document and memorize trail locations and descriptions isn't the best either. Not to sound like a d!ck, sorry. I'm sure it would all make some sense if I actually just got out there and tried it out.

The way everything is laid out, there isnt a single body of forest big enough. It is all separated by a main gravel path, so we cut where we can. However, most trail ends are like 10 feet from the next head. Some are a couple hundred feet, but you can make it all one loop really. its not like you do a 1 mile loop, then ride 5 miles and hit another mile trail. That would just suck. haha!

[deezler]

Ah, I see. Ok, fair enough, totally. But how about someone decides the most efficient way to rock all the loops consecutively, without doubling back or repeating, and post up that particular route map?

[Jay22]

If I knew how to make a map on the computer, I would do it. You could run it two or three different ways and make everything one run. That is what I do, except for the newer maple trail and snake leg. They are smaller and a ways away from the other trails. Hopefully there will be some new trails coming this winter. I hope we can cut a few more miles in before spring. That would be sweet.

Actually, I am going to try to get out there tomorrow. Ill try to do the google pedometer map while I am riding, because it is easy to get mixed up back there. Hopefully that will be accurate. But the best way is to just come out and go for it. The map that is posted is not complete anyway. There are more trails that that back there.

[SANTA_CRUZ]

Like Jay has stated, we are basically forced into putting trail where you can in between the gravel pathways and in any large enough body of woods that doesn't get flooded by the Rouge River. Plus, you have to stay on Wayne County property because this park goes by sub-divisions/private properties or else you get angry neighbors who like to complain.
The best way to get a continuous loop to ride is to just come out and explore it a few times, once you do it's very easy to connect the loops together for a semi-seamless flow and it's nice that you can ride it in either direction.

We will be adding some trail this winter, but I don't think it will be a few miles worth, but I am always looking for ways to add more length. As far as signage goes, it would be nice if people would just leave the signs and arrows alone and not vandalize them for reasons unknown to me or anyone that rides out there. It is very frustrating to say the least

[Jay22]

Like Jay has stated, we are basically forced into putting trail where you can in between the gravel pathways and in any large enough body of woods that doesn't get flooded by the Rouge River. Plus, you have to stay on Wayne County property because this park goes by sub-divisions/private properties or else you get angry neighbors who like to complain.
The best way to get a continuous loop to ride is to just come out and explore it a few times, once you do it's very easy to connect the loops together for a semi-seamless flow and it's nice that you can ride it in either direction.

We will be adding some trail this winter, but I don't think it will be a few miles worth, but I am always looking for ways to add more length. As far as signage goes, it would be nice if people would just leave the signs and arrows alone and not vandalize them for reasons unknown to me or anyone that rides out there. It is very frustrating to say the least

No kidding. Im about to post signs and hide in the trees nearby with a paintball gun and just hammer whoever takes them down.

Anyway, can't wait to start some new trails!

[Jay22]

Sup! Well, I went out there yesterday and today. It was sloppy yesterday, and decent today. I got some pictures of the snow falling under the power lines. It was fun riding in the snow, and I spent a bit of time moving any downed trees that I could. There are trees down everywhere from the wind yesterday.

It was fun and quiet. Not a soul around. Thats the first time I have ever broken a sweat in 40 degree weather under snow.

[SANTA_CRUZ]

Sounds like you had a good ride Jay !! Your description was good, it made a picture in my head.
Thanks for clearing downed stuff !

I took the day off work today (played hookie if you will) and worked on the trail. Is that weird ? I don't think so..
I cleared an extention of Buck Shaver that we cut last winter, but then due to the spring rains / flooding / overgrowth,
we couldn't get back to develop this section and concentrated on the main body of the new addition. (got some riding)

But, today, I opened up another 1/3 of a mile and it needs people to hike it, ride it, use it because it's rough cut
and will be a little bumpy, lumpy until it gets some use and packing down. Be one of the first kids on your block to
go ride it and say you were there when it was brand new ! I will be adding a couple of technical options to it this
winter. Potential projects - old tires filled w/gravel section, elevated wooden walkway w/skinny, log piles, etc.

[Jay22]

Sounds like you had a good ride Jay !! Your description was good, it made a picture in my head.
Thanks for clearing downed stuff !

I took the day off work today (played hookie if you will) and worked on the trail. Is that weird ? I don't think so..
I cleared an extention of Buck Shaver that we cut last winter, but then due to the spring rains / flooding / overgrowth,
we couldn't get back to develop this section and concentrated on the main body of the new addition. (got some riding)

But, today, I opened up another 1/3 of a mile and it needs people to hike it, ride it, use it because it's rough cut
and will be a little bumpy, lumpy until it gets some use and packing down. Be one of the first kids on your block to
go ride it and say you were there when it was brand new ! I will be adding a couple of technical options to it this
winter. Potential projects - old tires filled w/gravel section, elevated wooden walkway w/skinny, log piles, etc.

ARGH! You gotta call me when your cutting new trail! That is what I love to do. Are you going back out this weekend? Where is the new stuff you cut?

Lets go out this weekend and cut more/ride/pack down the new stuff. Please? Lol! I wanna build some tech sections and build some berms. Ill bring shovels, a weed whipper, whatever else I have that we can use. Come on! *beep*, Ill even bring my girl along. She would love to help.