Northeast Park

Closest Major City: Ann Arbor

Distance: 3.00 miles (4.83 KM)

Description:
This ride is a short, surprisingly entertaining loop carved out of an old gravel pit at the edge of town near the intersection of M-14 and US 23. Not much in the way of climbs, but there's a good mix of twisty stuff and fast stuff, and lots of little rolling whoop-de-doos that you will not have to share with anyone, since nobody seems to know about this place. Definitely worth it if you live in Ann Arbor. You can get your dirt fix in under an hour with no car keys! Don't let the abandoned gravel pit looks of the place fool you, the woodland loops in the back are actually pretty technical. Four loops is a satisfying 12 mile ride. Counterclockwise is more challenging than CW. Enjoy.

Directions to the trail:
Take US 23 to Ann Arbor, exit Plymouth Road west, toward town. Third light is Nixon Rd., turn north-right. Go half mile or so to Dhu Varren Rd., turn west-left. If you cross M-14, you went too far. Continue west on Dhu Varren across the RR tracks, the park will be on your right, at the northeast corner of the intersection of Dhu V. and Pontiac trail. There is no lot or marked trail head. Park on the shoulder or in the chained off old gravel pit entrance. The trail is easy to pick up, it follows the perimeter of the fence at his point. Townies, take Pontiac Trail out of town to Dhu Varren Rd, just before the M-14 overpass. Northeast Park is at the northeast corner of the intersection.