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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

Loop

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 hike 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.

Description

This hike gives you the feeling of hiking out west. The steep embankments and boulders make it like hiking 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, hikers start out on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail. This is a great trail to hike 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 hike, so save some energy for this part of the hike.

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

#2529

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

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in Michigan

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Overall
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5,420 Since Jun 7, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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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 39 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 12, 2019
An Vu
10.6mi
May 13, 2018
Kevin Kirkland
Hiking with Tracy. Rained heavy last night 5mi
May 13, 2018
Tracy Kincaid
5.6mi
Oct 29, 2017
Chirag Birla
10mi
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