Rolling Hills Park

Rolling Hills Park Trail: A Twisting Wonderland in Ypsilanti

Rolling Hills Park, situated at the heart of Ypsilanti, Michigan, boasts an intriguing combination of history, natural beauty, and thrilling trails for mountain biking aficionados. Carved out from glacial deposits, the undulating topography of this park beckons riders for an experience like no other.

A Quick Glance at Rolling Hills

• Trail Name: Rolling Hills Park Trail
• Distance: ~6.5 miles (subject to GPX update)
• Level: Very Easy
• Route Type: Network
• City: Ypsilanti
• State: Michigan

Genesis of the Trail

With its beginnings in 2009, the Rolling Hills Park Trail is the fruit of dedicated labor by the Potawatomi Chapter volunteers. Broken down into three distinct phases, the trail capitalizes on the park's unique "rolling hills" layout. Here's a breakdown of its development:

• Phase 1 (2009): A 3-mile loop, ensuring riders navigate the continuous ebbs and flows of the terrain, along with maneuvering through an array of obstacles.
• Phase 2 (2012-2013): 1.5 miles into the picturesque "West Meadows" and the intricate "Munger Mounds" section, reminiscent of a pump track.
• Phase 3 (2014-2015): The "North Meadow" loop, stretching ~1.8 miles, offers a balance to the sharp turns of Phase 1 with its open, swift terrain.

Unique Trail Features

The trail promises a challenge, though not necessarily in terms of difficulty. Instead, the terrain demands constant attention, ensuring a rider is always prepped for what lies ahead. Some standout features include:

• The winding S-bend at ~0.3 miles
• The intriguing Crater at ~1 mile
• The scenic Bluff at ~1.5 miles
• A substantial log pile at ~2.5 miles

Moreover, for those looking to expand their ride, there's an option to merge this trail with Hewen's Creek MTB trail, via the "Bemis Connector", allowing a combined journey of ~15 miles.

Feedback and Room for Improvement

Cyclist reviews widely commend the flowy nature, switchbacks, and beginner-friendly layout of the trail. However, a recurring grievance is the insufficient marking. Riders often find it easy to lose their way, given the inadequate signs. Moreover, overgrown grass at some stretches adds to the navigation challenge.Parking costs, though a point of contention for some, are deemed worthwhile by many, given the sheer joy of the trail experience. Despite its challenges, many commend the trail builders for leveraging the park's inherent topography to offer a mix of climbs, logs, downhills, and of course, those delightful switchbacks.

Directions to the Trail

Bikers can commence their Rolling Hills adventure at 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Wrapping Up

Rolling Hills Park Trail, with its rolling terrains, switchbacks, and beautiful surrounds, provides an escape for bikers of varying levels. Whether a seasoned professional or a newbie, the trail has something for everyone