Brighton Rec Area

Brighton's Cycling Wonderland: A Deep Dive into Torn Shirt, Murray Lake, and Appleton Loops

Quick Facts: Know Before You Pedal

• Distance: Up to 23 mi
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Loop
• Location: Brighton, Michigan

How to Get There: Your Roadmap to the Trailhead

To reach this network of trails, exit at Lee Rd off US23. Head south on Whitmore Lake Rd and make a turn onto Maltby Rd. Drive about 5 miles until you spot Baur Rd near a bend. Follow the dirt road and take the second left onto Silver Lake Rd, which leads to Brighton State Park entrance.

A Smorgasbord of Trails: What to Expect

This beloved system includes three main loops: Torn Shirt, Murray Lake, and the recently-added Appleton. Each offers a distinct flavor of terrain and difficulty, making it a diverse destination for riders of varying skill levels.

Key Highlights Across the Trails

• Torn Shirt: A 7.6-mile loop with rooty downhills, challenging climbs, and tight singletrack.
• Murray Lake: A now 13-mile loop offering fast sections, roots, and rocks. Newbies can even cut it short by avoiding the Lost Loop.
• Appleton Loop: A 2-mile, quick loop ideal for warm-ups or cool-downs.

Community Verdict: What Fellow Riders Think

The buzz is overwhelmingly positive. Torn Shirt is widely acknowledged for its technical aspects, particularly in the first half where steep climbs test your mettle. Meanwhile, Murray Lake offers a balanced experience of speed and moderate technicality. Riders appreciate the option to add or skip loops like Lost and Found based on their stamina or skill level.

Additional Comments

• A majority of riders report the trail system to be well-groomed, but a few pointed out sections where overgrown weeds obscure the trail.
• Signage could be improved. Current trailheads show color-coded maps, but this is not consistently followed on the trails.
• Trail maintenance is ongoing, and there's talk of new trails and improved signage.

Expert Advice: Make the Most of Your Ride

1. Pay attention to trail intersections; signage is reportedly inconsistent.
2. If you're riding in summer, expect some overgrown sections; ride cautiously.
3. Check your tires for invasive species before moving on to other trails; better safe than sorry.

Wrapping Up: Why You Should Ride Here at Least Once

The Brighton trail system embodies versatility, from its flowy to technical sections and multiple loops designed for different skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or someone looking to level up, these trails offer a comprehensive package of challenges, thrills, and, above all, fun. From steep climbs to fast, flowy sections and from tight, wooded singletracks to open terrains, it's a patchwork quilt of everything a mountain biker seeks. A must-ride for anyone in or visiting Michigan!