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Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.4 (145)
  1. Areas
  2. MI
  3. …Eastern Michigan
  4. …Waterford Township
  5. Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
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“Built on rolling hills with a lot of cruiseability, mixed in between the grinding climbs. ”

Nick Shue
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9.0

Miles

14.5

KM

100%

Singletrack

1,116' 340 m

High

968' 295 m

Low

713' 217 m

Up

713' 217 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

One of the more popular Metro Detroit trails, Pontiac has been a favorite for decades.

One of the best known and most used trails in the Detroit metropolitan area due to its location (just 11 miles from Pontiac and 38 miles from downtown Detroit) and challenging terrain, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area has been providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of this auto building community for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers for years.

Pontiac Lake is a single, easy to follow loop (with two optional, signed, difficult sections) which starts and ends just off of a main parking lot. Starting to ride this fast, flowing trail with major elevation changes is a commitment, but one which handily rewards riders.

Description

Starting from the parking lot, you'll cross Gale Road, and head a few hundred yards down the doubletrack until the trail starts off to your left. Rolling for the first couple of miles, you'll hit the main climb about 2 miles in.

After reaching the top of the climb, you'll be rewarded with one of the challenging, rocky descents that Pontiac is known for. At 3 miles in, you are presented with an overlook of Pontiac Lake. The trail continues to flow and swoop through the words till the final switchback climb that ends the trail.

After a fast decent, come back out onto the doubletrack you started on, and heading straight will take you back to the parking lot, or you'll see the start of the singletrack on your right, should you feel like another lap.

Contacts

Local Club: Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association (CRAMBA)

Land Manager: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Shared By:

Nick Shue with improvements by Nathan Bagnall and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 145 votes

#1

in Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area

#121

Overall
  4.4 from 145 votes
5 Star
54%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Pontiac Lake State Rec…

#3

in Michigan

#121

Overall
89 Views Last Month
38,786 Since May 27, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
1%
20%
19%
59%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

The Chute
Jul 3, 2013 near Waterford, MI
Dropping in.
Apr 22, 2016 near Waterford, MI
Heading into the chute.
Aug 15, 2021 near Waterford, MI
When presented with the choice, take the "hard" option. It's not too challenging and it has a nice coaster-like quality on some steeps.
May 22, 2017 near Waterford, MI
Pin your ears back and smile
Sep 15, 2018 near Waterford, MI
Lots of Rocks!
Aug 15, 2021 near Waterford, MI

6 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 4, 2025
Natasha Beste
First time finishing the entire trail. This one ain't playin around. 9mi — 1h 45m
Nov 16, 2024
Dave Walick
It is in great shape and was a ton of fun. 9.2mi
Oct 17, 2024
Sung Baek
8.8mi
Sep 15, 2024
Sung Baek
9.4mi — 1h 17m
Jul 21, 2024
Scott M
Completed 4 laps. Long but very fun day in the saddle. Great conditions on a local favorite trail. 41mi — 3h 45m
Jun 15, 2024
Natasha Beste
Kicked my butt. Definitely a level up than I'm used to. Something to work up to! 5mi
Nov 14, 2023
Jacob S
Nice time to ride! 6.5mi — 1h 25m
Oct 18, 2023
Ryan Andrews
Had an awesome time! Perfect weather

Nearby Recommended Routes

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association (CRAMBA)
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