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Hewen's Creek

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 3.2 (21)
  1. Areas
  2. MI
  3. …Eastern Michigan
  4. …Ypsilanti
  5. Hewen's Creek Park
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“Flat, easy riding through young growth forest and meadows. A great beginner or recovery trail. ”

Chris Billman
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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.5

KM

95%

Singletrack

745' 227 m

High

713' 217 m

Low

79' 24 m

Up

78' 24 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Simple, flat riding for all levels of riders, including young kids.

Open dawn to dusk.

Overview

Hewen's Creek Park is an oasis of wildness in a rural-suburban setting. A relatively large roadless, non-agricultural area for southeastern Michigan, it is home to a very interesting variety of wildlife. The list of species found includes coyotes, pheasants, rabbits, deer, songbirds and migratory waterfowl. Parts of the park are also characterized by a very dynamic vegetation cover.

Although some of the park is covered by woodlots that change slowly, other parts are undergoing rapid changes. Specifically, the eastern field that was formerly farmed is quickly being colonized by aspen and soon will be a young forest. The wooded swamp in the southeastern part of the park is becoming more open as the many ash trees found there succumb to the emerald ash borer.

Those who like to fish will find big bluegill and bass in the pond near the Bemis Road entrance. In contrast to nearby Rolling Hills Park the terrain is relatively flat owing to it being part of an old glacial lake bed. The vegetation is typical of such areas and is very colorful in the fall.

Need to Know

You can keep current on Hewen's Creek by checking out their Twitter feed, here.

Description

The multi-use recreational trails within the park traverse the many environments described above. The Central Loop (Yellow) runs beside the pond, passes through parts of woodlots, next to wooded swamps and runs through old agricultural fields with detours through wooded fence lines. The Eastern Loop (Red) twists its way through old field converting to young forest. The Northwest Loop (Orange) winds its way through lowland forest and along a creek and pond.

From a mountain biking perspective, the trail is rated easy but does put a premium on bike handling if you try to go fast. There are a few "obstacles" along the trail here and there but they can easily be gone around or stepped over. Some areas can be wet after a heavy rain and it is probably best to avoid this trail in early spring and after big downpours. If you ride quietly you'll probably hear and maybe see wildlife.

If you desire a longer ride, you can combine the Hewen's Creek ride with the trail in Rolling Hills Park, just west down Bemis road about 1/4 of a mile. There is a connector trail into Rolling Hills at the northwest corner of Bemis and Stony Creek Roads.

History & Background

Other Useful LinksCurrent trail conditions on MMBA Forum
Hewen's Creek on Poto Chapter Website

Contacts

Local Club: Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association

Nov 7, 2023: New Poto jerseys are now available!

Jul 11, 2023: Triple Trail Challenge – Order Merchandise by August 16th

Land Manager: Ypsilanti Township Recreation & Parks

Shared By:

Chris Billman
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.2 from 21 votes

#1

in Hewen's Creek Park

#2536

Overall
  3.2 from 21 votes
5 Star
15%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
35%
2 Star
20%
1 Star
5%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Hewen's Creek Park

#49

in Michigan

#2,536

Overall
23 Views Last Month
5,071 Since Feb 3, 2015
Easy Easy
84%
16%
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Photos

A light dusting of snow makes for a great ride.
Jan 29, 2015 near Ypsilanti, MI
Riding through the snow.
Jan 29, 2015 near Ypsilanti, MI
Late summer, a couple days after a storm.
Aug 28, 2019 near Ypsilanti, MI
It's always great to see the trails green up in the beginning of spring!
May 14, 2017 near Ypsilanti, MI
The entrance to the Stoneycreek Road Connector begins at the southwest corer of the Northwest Loop before a pile of logs.
Jun 2, 2017 near Ypsilanti, MI

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 9 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jun 10, 2023
Trey Cook
Just did part from Hitch to orange loop and SC connector as part of a gravel ride today. Red loop in great condition, very easy. Orange a bit weedy. 2mi — 0h 14m
Apr 27, 2023
Dale Johnson
There were many huge trees across the Yellow Trail starting in the parking lot and before the red trail junction in early April. (Ice & Snow storms)
Jun 18, 2022
Kyle Clem
Jun 17, 2022
Trey Cook
Overgrown so some of the stones and roots sneak up on you, probably easy on a proper MTB, a bit tricky on a dropbar cross bike 38mm 40psi
May 28, 2022
Jim Monnett
Flat nice ride 4.5mi
Nov 6, 2021
Drew Gruenhagen
Oct 5, 2021
Michael Fritz
Trail forks 5.1mi — 8h 30m
Jun 14, 2020
Casey Segraves
Trail in great condition. 6mi

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