Poto: DTE Energy Foundation Trail (Waterloo)

[Todd Scott]

Post trail conditions and problem reports for the trails at Waterloo

[dew]

I thought mtb-ing wasn't allowed at Waterloo, except for special permits like the TTC. Has the proposal gone forward to where we are now allowed to ride?

[Todd Scott]

There is a five mile loop open to biking, but I hear it's not very good.

The DNR compiled a list for us of State Parks and Recreation Areas that have hunting and MTB trails. I went through the list and added the five trails that weren't already in the Trail Guide.

[barrybs]

If you look at the Waterloo map posted in the trail guide section the bike trail is at the bottom toward the center near the intersection of Maute and Leach roads. I noticed it on a map a few years ago and got all excited and went down to ride it. It was pretty much unridable due to large trees down, sand, and postholes from horse traffic. It really is some beautiful terrain and probably has some potential if you could keep the horses out.

Barry

[jajones]

Posting a trail conditions section for Waterloo is misleading and shouldn't be done. First of all, the "five miles" of trail is nowhere near five miles. Second, it is totally unrideable for various reasons -- from lack of maintenance to horse impact that make this bridle trail unsuitable for biking. Third, it is not even signed and there is no proper access lot/trailhead to park.

Listing it on the trail conditions page will give mountain bikers the impression that there is viable trail open and rideable at Waterloo. If and when they venture out there, they will be confused and frustrated by the situation.

The DNR should be told that these trails are not viable, and current members of the agency should be educated on the politics behind why this section was "designated" open to mountain bike use as a "gotcha joke" by the former Unit Manager of Waterloo who was staunchly anti-bike. By catering to the DNR on this issue, the MMBA is making legitimate mountain bike access at Waterloo into a joke.

[rmanzanares]

Would be nice if the DNR would go through and clear out the downed trees. Was off my bike every 100 meters or less in some places due to logs. Some were hopable, most weren't (for me.) The small loop is more ridable than the big one, but also had more horse...evidence. The big loop had plenty of sticker bushes at arm and leg level, but tires were fine. At one point we were riding in shoulder level grass, but that was kind of fun. Big hills up and down. Not as crowded as Pinkney but for obvious reasons. Trail is worth improving and would be a fun ride if the trail floor were clear.

[spwrozek]

Is this trail a real trail or not? It looks like there is no place to park close to it... also why is it just inside the horse loop. I was thinking about trying it out since it is only a 10 mile drive down 94. Does anyone have any info on this other then posts from 3 years ago? The TG says that the Poto Chapter is looking to make significant improvements, what is up with that. Is it worth the 10 min drive to check out or no?

[MattRides]

So has anyone been out to the Waterloo MTB trail recently? I am really curious. Unlike the previous reviewer, I have to drive over an hour to get to Waterloo, and it's not worth the hassle if the trail is still crap.

[spwrozek]

It is uber crap. some people went and cut out the trees last year but it has been completely destroyed by horses. Really this thread should be closed as to not trick people into going there.

[jrshome]

It is uber crap. some people went and cut out the trees last year but it has been completely destroyed by horses. Really this thread should be closed as to not trick people into going there.

+1 on this, no place to ride at Waterloo, my parents live right there and this is crap

[Knewbike]

Thought I'd try mountain biking for the 1st time in 15 years. I went here cause it is the closest to my house, and because I knew I'd be largely alone. Many large downed trees. I parked where the trail crosses on Maute rd. Signage doesn't even indicate bikes are allowed. All horse tracks. Not even any footprints let alone tire tracks. Signage all shot up. Difficult ride for 1st time back. Go if you are a masochist.

[BLKXJ 96]

Trail is in good shape, with about 4 to 6 inches of snow. What a great day to tool around on the Fat Bikes.

[scat silvurz]

Thought I'd try mountain biking for the 1st time in 15 years. I went here cause it is the closest to my house, and because I knew I'd be largely alone. Many large downed trees. I parked where the trail crosses on Maute rd. Signage doesn't even indicate bikes are allowed. All horse tracks. Not even any footprints let alone tire tracks. Signage all shot up. Difficult ride for 1st time back. Go if you are a masochist.

I think you were riding in the wrong area............

[tadraper]

Thought I'd try mountain biking for the 1st time in 15 years. I went here cause it is the closest to my house, and because I knew I'd be largely alone. Many large downed trees. I parked where the trail crosses on Maute rd. Signage doesn't even indicate bikes are allowed. All horse tracks. Not even any footprints let alone tire tracks. Signage all shot up. Difficult ride for 1st time back. Go if you are a masochist.

I think you were riding in the wrong area............

LMAO that post was from 2012 and that is the horse area!!

[slukomski]

Thought I'd try mountain biking for the 1st time in 15 years. I went here cause it is the closest to my house, and because I knew I'd be largely alone. Many large downed trees. I parked where the trail crosses on Maute rd. Signage doesn't even indicate bikes are allowed. All horse tracks. Not even any footprints let alone tire tracks. Signage all shot up. Difficult ride for 1st time back. Go if you are a masochist.

I think you were riding in the wrong area............

I think you're replying to a post from 2012.