Brighton State Rec area MTB

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Brighton State R.A. mountain biking guide
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WARNING: Mountain Biking is Potentially Dangerous!

Introduction
Brighton State Recreation Area, is located just north of Ann Arbor and West of downtown Brighton. The MTB trails consists of 2 distinguishable trails "Murray Lake" and "The Torn Shirt" Loops. Both trails are challenging, with Torn Shirt being the toughest, and best suited for advanced riders.

Murray Lake trail is longer, but technically easier. It has a few challenging climbs and fun descents. Best suited for Beginner and Intermediate level riders.
Torn Shirt is slightly shorter, but fairly technical and seems to have more elevation change. Best suited for Intermediate and Advanced level riders

Good maps and information are available at the trail head Kiosk. Both trails have short sections of multi directional trail...please be careful and aware of this when you start. These trails are very well marked and constructed.

NOTE: Please be advised that there are several locations where the trail is MULTI-DIRECTIONAL/ Stay in control and keep your head up.

Click HERE For current weather conditions and the five day weather forecast.

Season
All year long, park hours only. The summer is great, the humidity can be unbearable but if you are going to sweat anyhow have fun doing it. Temps are usually in the high 70's & 80's. Wear bright breathable clothing, bring some form of bug repellent and as Dr. Lisa always says "Wear Sunscreen". Watch out for hunters, the park actively supports many forms of hunting. See our section on safe riding practices for Hunting Season. Also be careful of the dead leaves in the fall, the trail can be very loose and slippery.

Amenities
The park offers 2 deferent campgrounds and the trail head is located at the beach parking lot. During peak season water and toilets are available. Bring supplies after Labor Day and before Memorial Day to be safe.

Organizations:
Potawatomi Chapter of the MMBA
President: Bill Mayer
poto@mmba.org
Vice President: Emil Sims
esims@ford.com

MMBA State contacts:
MMBA President: Mary Ann Martin
president@mmba.org
MMBA Executive Director: Todd Scott
execdir@mmba.org

Directions & Maps

Alden Wong clearing one of the log ramps
on the Torn Shirt Loop

Michigan DNR asks that you don't use trails during wet weather or during spring thaw, this will damage the trails and only hurt mountain biker/DNR relations.

Support The MMBA

Plea for Responsibility:
With the growing number of new Mountain bikers, trail erosion has become very evident at several popular trails (Pontiac Lake, and Poto). The weekend traffic has grown heavier and less concerned, This has taken its toll. Trails that were handling challenges, have become speedways for the out of control masses. Even Highland, which is only a few years old is showing signs of misuse, I could barely ride A and B loops in 1996, now they are easily traversed. The many chapters of MMBA do a fantastic job on maintenance and access, but as riders we should share the burden and ride sensibly. Stay in control, ride on the beaten path (avoid short cuts), and try not to destroy any vegetation.Also, If you see someone tearing it up with total disregard for the trail and those who maintain it, SAY SOMETHING. When taking beginners on any trail, always try to teach some etiquette. You can use following the MMBA, and IMBA's Guidelines for trail etiquette.