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Brighton Recreation Trail System

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Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.4 (51)
  1. Areas
  2. MI
  3. …Eastern Michigan
  4. …Hamburg Township
  5. Brighton State Recreation Area
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“Two separate trails make up this network, Murray Lake Trail and Torn Shirt Trail. ”

Dave Jansen
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13.0

Miles

20.9

KM

95%

Singletrack

960' 293 m

High

876' 267 m

Low

916' 279 m

Up

915' 279 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Entry Fees: Resident: $11 annual recreation passport. Non-resident: $9/daily, $32/annual

Overview

The two loops in this area are popular for intermediate and advanced riders. Torn Shirt Trail is definitely the more difficult of the two, with steeper climbs and descents and more technical riding.

Murray Lake Trail is more moderate and flowy - perfect for intermediate riders not quite ready for technical riding.

Description

The Torn Shirt Trail is a little over 8 miles long and is considered an advanced ride. This loop is full of steep climbs and rooty descents.

The Murray Lake Trail is between 7 and 9 miles long depending on which loops you ride and is considered a more moderate trail. This trail contains much more flowing singletrack.

Combine both for a great day of riding.

Contacts

Local Club: Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association

Nov 2, 2025: Black Friday Ride

Sep 24, 2025: THANK YOU!!!

Aug 4, 2025: Triple Trail Challenge & Poto Jersey Updates

Land Manager: MI DNR - Brighton State Recreation Area

Shared By:

Dave Jansen with improvements by Mark Montri and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 51 votes

#1

in Brighton State Recreation Area

#350

Overall
  4.4 from 51 votes
5 Star
49%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Brighton State Recreat…

#16

in Michigan

#350

Overall
51 Views Last Month
25,663 Since Apr 10, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
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34%
18%
47%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Full Trail POV
May 24, 2021 near Brighton, MI
Two way traffic on the bridge to lost loop. Great trails!
Mar 21, 2021 near Brighton, MI
At the beginning of Torn Shirt
Apr 30, 2014 near Brighton, MI
There's no stopping you on the Murray Lake Trail.
Nov 15, 2015 near Brighton, MI
Enjoying the Torn Shirt re-route!
Nov 15, 2015 near Brighton, MI
At a high point of the trail. A 360 degree view of the forest and trail around you makes for a great spot to rest.
Apr 15, 2016 near Brighton, MI

3 Comments

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Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2023
james raimar
Apple an Murray Lake 8.1mi — 1h 12m
Aug 15, 2021
Gunner Smith
Aug 3, 2021
David Cook
Great variety - Easy 2 mile. Medium flowy 7 mile Hard Techy 5 mile. Torn shirt probably one of the tougher rides in southeast Michigan. 7mi
Jun 23, 2021
Micah Plimpton
10.8mi
May 30, 2021
Stephen Lelli
Did Torn, Murray, Lost, Found, and Ralph
Dec 16, 2020
Joe Hamm
Oct 10, 2020
Shawn Batt
Aug 11, 2020
Rick Garcia

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