DTE Energy Foundation Trail opens fourth “flow trail” loop near Chelsea (video)

The fourth loop of the DTE Energy Foundation Trail opened last month in southeast Michigan, just north of Chelsea. The single-track, cutting-edge trail is designed for mountain bikers, but open to runners, cross-country skiers and hikers too.

Known as a “flow trail,” the surface of the trail is mechanically cut to create highly structured grades and outslopes. The loops cover varying terrain and experience levels, including technical, downhill and climbing features. View the new 360-degree trail video.

The trail consists of four loops, including the Green Lake Loop (5.2 miles), Big Kame Loop (4.75 miles), Winn Loop (8 miles) and Sugar Loop (4 miles). The newest segment is the Sugar Loop and is the most technical.

The trail was made possible by a partnership between the DNR, DTE Energy Foundation and the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association.

The DTE Energy Foundation Trail is designed for mountain biking; however, running, hiking and cross-country skiing are allowed as well. The trail is located seven miles north of Chelsea on M52 in Waterloo Recreation Area, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor and 30 minutes east of Jackson. There are two trailheads:

M52 trailhead, 17819 N M-52, Chelsea, MI 48118

Cassidy Road trailhead, 16500 Cassidy Road, Chelsea, MI 48118

The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association, a nonprofit organization and chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association, spearheaded the trail development in partnership with the DNR. DTE Energy Foundation provided a $255,000 grant to fund the project.