Glacial Hills: Outer Loop

The Glacial Hills: Outer Loop is a challenging hike covering approximately 20.3 miles (32.2 km). Based on average hiking speeds, it can take around 8 hours and 40 minutes to complete. However, this duration can vary significantly depending on your pace, fitness level, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

No, the Glacial Hills: Outer Loop is considered a difficult trail and is best suited for experienced or intrepid hikers and runners. It features significant elevation changes, including four large ridge systems, and frequent ascents and descents that require good physical conditioning.

The terrain on the Outer Loop is characterized by rolling hills and substantial elevation changes, with some points rising over 400 feet. You'll encounter 'flowy fast single track' sections, 'tightest trail' segments, and both 'longest climbs' and 'fastest descents.' The trail is designed with grade reversals, switchbacks, and flat rest zones to manage the challenging landscape.

The trail offers diverse natural beauty, including an impressive old-growth tree canopy, glacial-cut hills, and moderately dense forests. You can enjoy views of northern ridges and, from certain parts like the Maple Leaf trail, glimpses of the North Arm of Lake Bellaire. The area boasts 12 distinct habitat types with Michigan conifers, hardwoods, and wildflowers.

You can access the Glacial Hills: Outer Loop from any of the three main trailheads: Eckhardt, Vandermark, or Orchard Hill Road. All offer parking facilities for hikers.

While the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area generally welcomes dogs, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users, as this is a multi-use trail shared with mountain bikers.

The trail is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant colors. Winter provides opportunities for fat biking and snowshoeing on groomed sections. For hiking, late spring, summer, and early fall are generally ideal, with fall being particularly scenic due to the foliage.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Glacial Hills: Outer Loop or to access the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area. It is free for public use.

Yes, the route is part of the larger Glacial Hills trail system. It also passes through sections of the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area, the Glacial Hills: Groomed Snow Trail, the Glacial Hills: Rolling Hills, and the Glacial Hills: Never Land.

For a truly memorable experience, make sure to look out for some of the system's most highly regarded sections that are incorporated into the Outer Loop, such as 'Never Never Land,' 'Area 55,' 'The Wall climb,' and the exhilarating 'Holy Grail downhill.' These sections offer some of the most unique and challenging features of the trail.