All Trail Routes
At Glacial Hills we have over 10 suggested trail routes that will keep you coming back for more. Suitable for all skill levels and distances whether your on foot or pushing pedals.
Eckhardt Trailhead Routes
Pine Tree (1.5 miles) is the flattest trail that meanders through a pine forest. It is accessible from the Eckhardt Trailhead at Intersection 1, and is composed of two linked loops, on the north and south sides of the Eckhardt parking lot. The two loops are adjoined at the point of entry. Pine Tree is also known as the Novice Trail, and is a great introduction for biking novice, and hikers who require a less strenuous trail. The flat terrain and abundant wintertime snow make the route suitable for wintertime activities.
Pine Tree
Maple Leaf (2.3 miles) is reached from the Eckhardt Trailhead Kiosk path leading to Intersection 7. A counterclockwise journey will encounter a huge maple tree, whose leaves are the trail’s namesake. Maple Leaf then winds through a pine and maple forest that offers an abundance of rolling terrain and views of the surrounding hills. At Intersection 17, the trail offers a diversion to the Overlook trail site and a view of the North Arm of Lake Bellaire.
Maple Leaf
West Valley (3.4 miles) is accessed from the Eckhardt Trailhead via Intersection 7. A long ascent in the clockwise direction leads northward along Glacial Hills’ outer boundary with great views of northwest valleys. It then descends into the western valley over a series of peaceful trail segments near the valley’s base, offering great views of the surrounding hills, ascending again to a winding trail that leads through a grove of conifers, seasonal wildflowers, and wild raspberry bushes to the Eckhardt Trailhead.
West Valley
Outer Loop (20.3 miles) is accessible from any Trailhead and provides a pathway to all that Glacial Hills has to offer. Outer Loop circumnavigates the outer boundary of the Pathways. It is most suitable for mountain bikers seeking the longest climbs, fastest descents, tightest trail, and greatest length. It also offers a challenge for intrepid hikers and runners who will encounter segments of the Outer Loop that are shared by other trail routes.
Outer Loop
Vandermark Trailhead Routes
Bear Den (3.3 miles) is a trail loop entered from the Vandermark Trailhead via Intersection 40. Bear Den rides the high ridges of the hills that form the Bear Valley. The bear may be mythical (or not!), but the towering beech trees are real! Bear Den is suitable for all users, runners, hikers and bikers as it offers frequent relatively gentle elevation changes and striking valley views.
Bear Den
Rolling Hills (5.2 miles) is entered from the Vandermark Trailhead. Rolling Hills serves users who want all the hilly fun but without long climbs and fast declines encountered elsewhere. West of Vandermark, the trail ascends high on the hills that form the West Valley, offering great views of the valley below. East of Vandermark, undulating hills mark the signature landscape of the pathways and provide a thrilling roller coaster-like experience through the woodlands.
Rolling Hills
Dear Run (3.8 miles) is a trail loop entered from the Vandermark Trailhead in either direction. It is a winding path that hugs the lower terrain on either side of Vandermark Road, though it reaches one of the Pathway’s high points at Intersection 29. This offers a hilly challenge for hikers and bikers alike. A journey on Deer Run can be combined with Bear Den, providing 7 miles of curvy pathways and hilly terrain - a good jog for those looking for a 10k route.
Deer Run
Outer Loop (20.3 miles) is accessible from any Trailhead and provides a pathway to all that Glacial Hills has to offer. Outer Loop circumnavigates the outer boundary of the Pathways. It is most suitable for mountain bikers seeking the longest climbs, fastest descents, tightest trail, and greatest length. It also offers a challenge for intrepid hikers and runners who will encounter segments of the Outer Loop that are shared by other trail routes.
Outer Loop
Orchard Hills Trailhead Routes
Crown (2.6 miles) is reached from points of entry near the Orchard Hills Trailhead on either side of Orchard Hills Rd. Crown climbs one of the highest hills of the trail system, over 400 feet above the northern valley. From either point of entry an ascent to a long hilltop ridge along the north slope offers great vistas of the northern valley and Never Never Land. At Intersection 74 or 75 (depending on direction of travel) an option is available to circumnavigate the hilltop along a southside trail, providing a second opportunity to experience the scenic northern ridge.
Crown
The Wall (2.6 miles) is a trail loop that is entered from the Orchard Hills Trailhead from either side of Orchard Hills Rd. Like Crown, The Wall ascends one of the Pathway’s highest hills but reaches a lower ridgeline along the north side of the hill. At either Intersections 77 or 78 a steep descent leads to the valley base. A U-turn at Intersection 79 will lead to a climb up “the wall” back to the hilltop and onward, returning to Orchard Hills. Optionally, a trek to Intersection 80 along a creek bed leads to the base of Never Never Land.
The Wall
Switchbacks (2.3 miles) is accessible from two points of entry at the Orchard Hills Trailhead. Switchbacks is a meandering pathway with rolling terrain of moderate difficulty, with several sloping switchbacks that snake through the hardwoods for more gradual hill climbs These “switchbacks” offer a challenge and a lot of fun in both direction of travel. Switchbacks can be easily connected with Crown and Bear Den to extend the woodland experience.
Switchbacks
Never Never Land (5.7 miles) is reached from the Orchard Hills Trailhead via the Outer Loop or The Wall entry points leading to Intersection 80 and beyond, making the total journey closer to nine miles. Never Land is the most remote part of the Pathways. Frequented mostly by bikers and rarely by hikers, it is an experience of what the isolation of Michigan wilderness must have felt like many years ago! After the descent to the base of the north valley, the trail crosses a creek bed and then reencounters the rolling hills, steep inclines, and natural lands so familiar elsewhere in the Pathways.
Never Land
Outer Loop (20.3 miles) is accessible from any Trailhead and provides a pathway to all that Glacial Hills has to offer. Outer Loop circumnavigates the outer boundary of the Pathways. It is most suitable for mountain bikers seeking the longest climbs, fastest descents, tightest trail, and greatest length. It also offers a challenge for intrepid hikers and runners who will encounter segments of the Outer Loop that are shared by other trail routes.
Outer Loop
Route Combinations
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Switchbacks + Bear Den
Connecting these routes via markers 47 and 48 will provide a 5.6 mile (9.0 km) adventure.
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West Valley + Rolling Hills
Connecting these routes via markers 22 and 23 will provide a 9.6 mile (15.5 km) adventure.
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Switchbacks + Crown
Connecting these routes via marker 51 will provide a 4.5 mile (7.2 km) adventure.
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Deer Run + West Valley
Connecting these routes via markers 25, 26 and 27 will provide a 8.3 mile (13.3 km) adventure.
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The Wall + Never Land
Connecting these routes via markers 79 and 80 will provide a 8.7 mile (14.1 km) adventure.