Ride into Adventure at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest this Weekend!
- Dan Cooke
- 60 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Fall mountain biking is FINALLY back in Detroit, and there's no better way to celebrate than at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest at Stony Creek Metropark! Here's our breakdown of everything that's going down at this can't-miss fall festival - plus insider tips on riding the Shelden Trails.
While the world of outdoor recreation provides a lifetime's worth of beautiful moments, there are a select few that rise above the rest. We're referring to those stunning, serendipitous moments that keep you coming back for more.
Exhibit A: Riding your mountain bike through crisp fall air on trails that are decorated with fall's brilliant colors.
If you have yet to experience the bliss of fall mountain biking in the Detroit region, then we have a can't miss update for especially you. This Saturday, September 27th, Stony Creek Metropark will be hosting its 4th annual Shelden Mountain Bike Fest. This family-friendly, all-riders-welcome festival has quickly grown into a Detroit region staple for celebrating the best of fall mountain bike riding.
Keep on riding - err, reading - to discover why.
THE SHELDEN MOUNTAIN BIKE FEST: What To Expect and Pro Tips
Date: September 27th, 2025
Time: 3 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Shelden Trails West Branch parking lot area (GROM Trailhead)
Cost: The festival is FREE, although you will need a Metroparks Pass to enter Stony Creek Metropark
The forecast for this Saturday is 79º, partly sunny, with a gentle breeze. Those conditions - especially after the recent rainfall that the Detroit region FINALLY received - are the exact recipe for what mountain bikers refer to as "Hero Dirt."
Put differently, riders at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest will be treated to PERFECT RIDING CONDITIONS for the trails.
That alone should be enough of a reason to attend the FREE Shelden Mountain Bike Fest this Saturday. Fortunately for all of us, the idyllic trail conditions are just the icing on top of a mouth-watering cake:
Vendors and various bike-related booths will be on-site.
Food trucks, ice cream, a beer garden atmosphere, and lively music.
Professional photography along the Shelden Trails' jump line.
Clinics for new riders, young enthusiasts, and adaptive bike users.
Demos for handcycling and group rides for all levels.
Other amenities at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest will include a limited edition festival jersey (men’s & women’s sizes; $55) and an evening twilight group ride (don’t forget your lights!) to round out an unforgettable day on the trails!
FESTIVAL PRO TIPS: Key Details Before Your Arrival
As we've hopefully made abundantly clear, the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest is JAM PACKED with events for riders and non-riders alike. From the opening act at 3 P.M. to the end of the "Howling at the Moon" twilight ride at 9, chances are you will be enjoying non-stop rides, music, demos, and entertainment.
If you're looking to experience the full breadth of the festival's environment, then please be sure to read over these "Pro Tips" before loading up your bike and heading to Stony Creek:
Arrive Early. Parking, vendor booths, and demos will most likely be very busy.
Pre-Register for Special Events. Especially if you plan on participating in the demos or beginner instructional sessions.
Bring Your Own Gear. Bike and helmet are the obvious essentials, but we also recommend wearing padded biking shorts, gloves, and shoes.
Light it Up. Don't forget a bike light for the twilight ride!
Last "Pro Tip" is to stay flexible - both in the saddle and in your plans. The Metroparks may have to close the Shelden Trails if conditions are wet, so check updates to avoid any potential disappointment.
WHAT IF I'M NEW TO MOUNTAIN BIKING?
For any new or growing riders, know that the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest is especially geared towards hosting you.
Why? Well, aside from hoping that you will become a successful convert into MTB Nation, the festival's primary aim is to host an event that caters to anyone who loves recreation, getting outdoors, simply looking for a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Beyond the food trucks and festive environment mentioned earlier, the festival is geared towards specifically towards accessibility and riding mentorship. New and growing riders will love the clinics and gentle loops, where anyone can learn new skills in a welcoming environment. The festival will also provide adaptive riders with handcycle-accessible loops, demos, and clinics.
Don't worry, veterans and pros - ALL of Shelden's celebrated intermediate and advanced trails will be OPEN and in PRIME CONDITION for you to enjoy.
THE SHELDEN TRAIL SYSTEM: Everything You Need to Know Before you Ride
Completed in 2021, the pristine Shelden Trail System at Stony Creek Metropark was built in the wake of the massive influx of mountain biking interest towards the end of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The full system features a professionally designed and built system of five stacked loops of one-way single track and an expansive network of bidirectional two-track trails.
Here's a general breakdown of the variety of trails that will be accessible during the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest:
Green (Easy): 2.5 miles
Blue (More Difficult): 6.8 miles
Black (Most Difficult): 2.8 miles
Two Track (Easy): 9.2 miles
We've included a recommended route above that includes a sampling of the full spectrum of trails available for riding at Shelden. Ultimately, you will be decision-maker for which adventure to embark on during the Shelden Moutain Bike Fest.
We'll see you at the trailhead!
This is a sponsored article paid for by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks authority. This article also contains sponsored links embedded within it.
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