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Amazing views and tons of climbing


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Map Key

28.9

Miles

46.5

KM

100%

Singletrack

1,121' 342 m

High

740' 225 m

Low

2,589' 789 m

Up

2,590' 789 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Managed season is from May 15 to October 31

Overview

This trail makes you feel like you're riding in the mountains of North Carolina. There are brutally steep technical climbs that reward you with a great view before bombing back down the side of a ridge. This trail has some of the longest and fastest downhill sections in the area.

Description

From Mesick -Travel west on M-115 for 2 miles. Turn left and travel west on Hodenpyl Dam Rd. for 5.5 miles. The site is on the left after a steep hill.

This trail is an out and back from Marilla. You can ride up to Dilling Rd and then you'll have to turn around since bikes are not allowed on the rest of the trail.

This first 9 miles of the trail features the majority of the climbing to where you cross N Coates Hwy. Most people turn around at this point, but if you keep riding, you'll be rewarded with singletrack that sees very little traffic. The trail starts to flow more and feel very remote. Save some energy for the ride back though, you'll need it for the last 9 miles of climbing back to your car.

Please be cautious on the descents as they are on the side of the hills with large drop offs should you fall off the trail.

From November 15-30, you'll be sharing the woods with deer hunters, it's best to avoid using the trail during this time or wear blaze orange.

Contacts

Shared By:

Rusty Shackleford with improvements by Earl Wh

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 36 votes

#1

in Marilla

#396

Overall
  4.8 from 36 votes
5 Star
78%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Marilla

#19

in Michigan

#396

Overall
34 Views Last Month
17,509 Since Oct 8, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
24%
7%
69%
0%

Photos

Eddington Creek crossing. There is a very nice bridge across and you can see the trail on opposite sides.
Oct 9, 2013 near Manton, MI
Fall
Oct 9, 2013 near Manistee, MI
Bikepacking North Country Trail near Marilla trailhead.
Jul 4, 2019 near Manton, MI
2017
May 7, 2018 near Manistee, MI
2017
May 7, 2018 near Manton, MI
Fall view
Oct 9, 2013 near Manton, MI
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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