DTE Foundation Trails North of Chelsea, MI

I found an app for my phone called All Trails.  It gave me a listing of trails nearby.  I had heard about this nice mountain bike trail called, DTE Foundation Trails, in the Waterloo State Recreation area just north of  Chelsea, Michigan.  One day as I was driving from riding the Lakelands State Park Rail Trail, I saw a sign for parking for the DTE trails.

I took a photo for reference on the trail. Four trails of increasing difficulty.

DTE is the area's primary electricity provider. Their foundation provided funding for the trail.

The trail was constructed and maintained by the Potawatomi Chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). www.potomba.org for their information.  The trails flow in different directions depending on the day of the week.  Some days go clockwise and others go counter-clockwise.  Posted signs clearly let you know which direction.  There were spots to pull over for faster riders.

Most of the trail goes through forest, but you do get some views of the wetlands and little lakes.

There are signs also provide a location if you need assistance.

I still consider myself a mountain bike novice and selected the easiest of the four trails.  I felt that this was a very good decision.  The most difficult section for me was during the first half mile which was due to the elevation increase.  I just pull off when I need to catch my breath.

This tree was begging for a photo.

 I found the curves to go smoothly with my fat tire bike. The handlebars could easily make down the path.  There were few rock and roots.  A regular mountain bike could easily traverse this and I even thought of taking my gravel bike here.  I will definitely come back. I had a great time.