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There are two loops, each around five miles. The Big Kame Loop is a little more advanced.


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Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.0

KM

99%

Runnable

1,076' 328 m

High

951' 290 m

Low

603' 184 m

Up

603' 184 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Trail does close when the conditions are really wet to avoid erosion.

Overview

This run consists of two different loops. The first loop on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail is an easy loop with minimal obstructions. The second loop on the Big Kame Loop has lots of rocks, hills, and up and downs. There are steep ledges and drop offs right along the trail. Both trails are well-built and well-marked, making them easy to easily follow.

Need to Know

The direction of travel changes daily, and you are always going the opposite direction as mountain bikes to avoid getting run over. Check the trailhead kiosk for more information.

Runner Notes

Always go the opposite way as the bikes. It is a singletrack trail with lots of blinds hills and turns.

Description

This run gives you the feeling of running out west. The steep embankments and boulders make it like running in the mountains. There is all kinds of wildlife and great views along the trail along Green Lake and other wetlands. Pictures do not do this place justice!

From the trailhead, runners start out on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail. This is a great trail to run with a few hills and minimal obstacles. The terrain is a mixture of sand and rock, and the trail heads through some fields. There are no massive rocks or roots on this section of the trail. There are some nice views of Green Lake along the eastern side of the loop as well.

From the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, you'll then connect to the Big Kame Loop. This is a rough and rugged trail, not for the faint of heart. It is full or roots, rocks, and obstacles. The sights and scenes are breathtaking along with the constant up and downs. This definitely makes for a challenging second half of your run, so save some energy for this part of the run.

At the end of the Big Kame Loop, you'll take a left onto a short section of the DTE Energy Foundation Trail to loop back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ryan Fry with improvements by Greg Cook

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 7 votes

#2534

Overall
  4.6 from 7 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#26

in Michigan

#2,534

Overall
3 Views Last Month
5,420 Since Jun 7, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

13%
0%
75%
0%
13%
0%

Photos

The DTE Trailhead is well marked by this sign.
Jun 7, 2017 near Chelsea, MI
DTE Energy Foundation Trail.
Aug 3, 2017 near Chelsea, MI
Directional sign at trailhead; trail direction alternates daily.
Aug 3, 2017 near Chelsea, MI

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 51 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 15, 2020
Kirstin Scott
Awesome trail/loop option! Definitely a favorite by the mountain biking community so either go early &/or just keep your ears/eyes open on this one. 10.4mi — 1h 52m
Nov 26, 2019
Randy Step
Great running flow trail, get there early before the bikes ... but even when busy the bikes are not bad. 3 loops, 5, easy, 5 and 8 more challenging 18mi — 3h 00m
Apr 27, 2018
Kara Nicolson
6.5mi
Jan 20, 2018
Brian D
9.2mi
Aug 30, 2017
Ryan Fry
Aug 19, 2017
Mysticmerl1 None
9.2mi
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