Holly Recreation Area (McGinnis Lake, Wildwood):
Michigan
Trail Map
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is mapping multi-use trails across the country. Click here to submit GPS data for this trail.
Description:
Holly Recreation Area's rolling hills provide scenic lake overlooks and excellent fall color viewing. Campsites vary from heavily wooded to open and sunny.

In terms of mountain biking, Holly Recreation Area's trail system consists of three loops: 1) A .75 mile loop called Turtle Trail...great for the kids or a quick warm up. 2) The North Loop, a 2.25 mile section of flat trail, rolling through fields and hardwoods and 3) The West Loop, a 5 mile trail with rolling hills and water crossings.

Holly Recreation Area's trail system also has a 15-mile advanced trail, Gruber's Grinder, in addition to the ones listed above. It is very technical, much like the trails in the Highland State Recreation Area, and should be ridden by newcomers with the same caution mentioned in the Highland State Recreation Area entry.

Difficulty: Some of the trails are great for beginners; Gruber's Grinder is great for hard core riders.

These trails are maintained in part by volunteers of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA).
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
How to get there from Detroit: I-75 to exit 101, west on Grange Hall Rd., 1/4 mile to Hess Rd., north on Hess Rd. to trail head. (Note: When Hess road turns right look to your left to see where the first shortcut from "Gruber's Grinder" lets you onto Hess Rd.)
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Mixed feelings
By skiles76 in August, 2010
I hike the western loop often. Before I say anything negative, let me tell you what's great about this trail: beautiful scenery. Gorgeous vistas. awe-inspiring views.

What is bad about this trail: poison ivy. More poison ivy along this trail than anywhere else I have ever seen. It invades the trail so badly in some areas that it makes the trail almost impassable. Its everywhere. Its maybe the most prevalent plant on the trail. I wish I was allowed to go out and hack it down myself; I wish somebody who is allowed would do something. Honestly, you have to be wary almost every step of this trail, and be prepared to periodically hike in some pretty strange postures in order to avoid touching it.

some less obvious items to bring for sure:

1. long pants
2. long sleeve shirt
3. a change of clothing for afterward
4. a hat

5. beyond the above items to protect you from poison ivy or sumac, you may also want to hike with a bug net over your head. the wildflower clearings are beautiful, but the bugs that live in them are not shy.

This trail has the potential to be one of the best in southern Michigan, all it would take is a machete.

Browse Trails by Activity:
Trail Photo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Holly Recreation Area (between Pontiac and Flint) to Holly Recreation Area
Counties: Oakland
Trail Length: 23 miles
Trail Category: Greenway/Non-RT
Trail Surfaces: Dirt
Trail Activities: Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6032407

Related Links
Share this with a friend
Share   Email
 ... Click to read more
Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.
Find Hotels Near Holly Recreation Area (McGinnis Lake, Wildwood)
Find Campgrounds
Find Bed & Breakfasts