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Welcome to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Pontiac Lake's famous MTB Loop, you will have successfully backpacked one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan. Circling around the forested wilderness area north of the namesake Pontiac Lake, the MTB loop features rocky, hilly terrain with sharp turns. As the name suggests, this trail is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. As an advanced trail, this trip is perfect for experienced hikers that are preparing for a prolonged backpacking expedition. This adventurous day trip includes limited instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring one of the "Top 100 Trails" in the U.S. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot off of Williams Lake Road. Elevation Gain: 649 feet Trail Rating: Difficult Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to mountain biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Williams Lake Road trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-pontiac-lake-mtb-loop

NEW TRAIL FOR SUMMER 2025! Welcome to Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan! Starting near McClure Road along the iconic Waterloo–Pinckney Trail, the Waterloo Lakeview Trail is a captivating 3‑mile forested hike weaving through ridge-top oaks, scenic lakeshores, and springtime wildflower meadows. A footbridge leads you into a tranquil deciduous canopy, past a rustic cabin on Spring Lake, and onto gentle wetlands before emerging onto the peaceful western shore of Mill Lake. With benches and boardwalk spots to pause, this easy to moderate loop trail finishes with a ridge-top perch perfect for a snack break. It’s a relaxed yet rewarding outing for hikers, runners, birders, and families within a wilderness sanctuary! Family-friendly adventure - children under 9 ALWAYS HIKE FREE! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot at Eddy Discovery Center Trail length: 3.0 miles Trip duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Elevation Gain: 154 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Lollipop Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Discovery Center trailhead parking lot