Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to the shopping mecca of southern Oakland County, Novi, to pedal Lakeshore Park, also known as The Tree Farm. Why the name 'Tree Farm'? I looked it up in the information superhighway without success but have been told it got its name from a section of the trail that intersects with quite a bit of Christmas-type trees. Was it an actual tree farm at one time? I have no idea.
trailhead
Located on the south shores of Walled Lake, the trailhead, while currently under construction for a new community building and updated landscaping, provides an ideal setting for those 90+ degree July/August rides as the beach is right there afterwards.
positives
The trail has come a long way since friends and I rode it in the late 90's; specifically signage as there are four sections of the trail and we got turned around a few times in the early days with no direction. It starts with the initial winding trail (fun), over the first bridge to the prairie area (less trees), the crater area (more fun) and the final quarter that involves thick tree cover and many stumps (not as fun). The latter is not as fun for me as my old booty does not like the bumps, even with the padded shorts.
There are no ball breaking hills so beginner and intermediate riders will enjoy the roughly nine mile loop.
Lastly, I have met the trail coordinator and he is pretty OCD so the trail is always in pristine condition.
negatives
negatives
The only negative I would throw out there, and it's being picky, is the trail does not drain well as it is more or less surrounded by wetlands (and idiot riders try to ride it too early in the spring).
Trail Head
