![]() |
|||||
|
Trails There is now a paved path that connects the Kensington Metropark bike path with the Island Lake State Park bike path, and those paths to the Wixom / South Lyon rails-to-trails path. I did a portion of the connector trail tonight, from Kent Lake Road to Pontiac Trail (a mile east of Milford Road). There is still work to be done around the trail - grass planted, bad portions of pavement replaced, sand and stone removed - but for the most part, it can be rollerskied. There are a couple of exceptions... Starting at Kensington Metropark. The connector starts from Kensington Metropark near the short wooden bridge next to I-94. The path cuts under the highway, then climbs into Island Lake State Park to a 3-way intersection. Turn right to head into Island Lake; turn right to head toward Wixom or South Lyon. This section of trail is in great shape.
Into Lyon Township Community Park. Currently, the climb into the Park is covered in gravel that has washed onto the path. The left side of the path is caving in from a washout, but there's still plenty of room to get around. A hundred yards past the top, the path intersects the Park's path. Two choices: go right and have an enjoyable ski on the Park Roads; go straight and be prepared to crash on the narrow, dirty, rocky path that takes a sharp swing to the right at the bottom of a downhill (see picture below). Recommendation: Go right.
Put on your skis, turn right and head to the chain link fence on the left. Go through the fence and onto the narrow path. After a couple hundred feet, the path widens back up, and there's a downhill to Milford Road. Walk down if you're unsure of your stopping ability: Milford Road can be pretty busy. Along I-96. Once you're across Milford Road, the path is again wonderful. Wide, just enough texture to get good pole grip. In half a mile, the path comes to an intersection.
To South Lyon. Alternatively, turn right and head to South Lyon. The trail crosses Grand River, Milford Road, and many dirt roads before going through downtown South Lyon. The trail is not paved across the dirt roads.
|