Denton Loop

[KX250MiRider]

Newbie to the forums: Quick question has anybody rode the Denton loop up by Houghton Lake recently? What is the trail staus after all this rain? Thanks ahead of time for any replies.
:yeehaw:

 

[sngltrk]

I asked the same question here a few days ago and didn't get any responses. I did get a report from the MCCC guy who does maintenance on the trail. Here is what he said:


I was working on that trail this past week and it
did get hit hard by the rains. Starting at Old 27
going clockwise you'll hit a short waterhole that I
wouldn't attempt with my two-wheel drive ATV.
Continuing on, after the trail goes up Townline road
and turns east after about a mile there is another
deep waterhole. Other than that there is lots of water
but probably not impassable. For the most part I
think you'll find that most of the Leota trail is on
higher ground than Denton.

Good luck.

For your information, I heard just today that the DNR
has closed the Gladwin Trail because of the flooding.

 

[KX250MiRider]

Thanks

Thanks sngltrk. Appreciate the info.

:)

 

[Nestrick]

Hey guys ... I did see this query and did not respond because I have not been to Denton yet this year ... sort of expected some of the other folks who live in the MTR forum to respond. There were a couple of ride reports very early this spring by some of the UP crowd down for a look at some dirt before the snow melts up there ... they mentioned a lot of remaining snow and ice ...

Regardless ... over the past couple of years I have ridden Denton many times and usually find it to be interesting because of its trail diversity ... ranges from woodsy tight stuff, deep sand, open forest trails to some hilly areas. The problem is always the spring ... the northeast section between Canoe Camp road and the intra-trail connector is through a swamp ... it is always wet in some places ... so with all the rain this year, I imagine it is a real mess! Certainly not somewhere you want to go riding solo as I often do! There is another perennial wet spot through a swampy area just after the trail turns northeast at the connector … again, usually wet even in dry times.

For these reasons, I have avoided Denton yet this year … with all the rain, I would expect it will be late in June before I give it a try. As for the Leota side, much of this area is somewhat higher ground than the Denton side … but the trails that go down by the river are likely going to be very wet this year … and that’s a pretty good chuck of the trail over on that side … iffy at best.

If I might suggest, hit the Geels South Trail or the West Higgins Trail … I have ridden and reported on both of these this spring … they are higher ground, better drained and more ridable when the weather makes you feel like building and Ark or two might be appropriate.

Ride safe …

terry nestrick :cool:

 

[KX250MiRider]

Good Suggestion

Nestrick,
I think I might take your suggestion and head to W. Higgins trail instead of Denton, we will have a couple of rookie riders with us out for their first trail ride. I have a feeling they will enjoy a dryer trail more than being up to their seat in mud. Tahnks again.

:)

 

[Nestrick]

If you're going out with some new riders ... you might want to read my earlier post: "Ruffles have ridges ..." ... it contains some trail info relative to that topic you might also find useful before you go ... i.e.; the northernmost section of the trail has several steep, deep sand, twisty, root-infested climbs that you can't avoid ... you're a long way from any help and I know I would've had trouble with them when I first started riding ...

Please, not trying to be nosy or tell you where to ride ... just some friendly advice from a relatively old, newbie at the sport ... I'm glad to see you're taking the time to get new folks started, I bet they'll have a blast!!!

terry nestrick ;)