Trail length: 17.4 miles, easy to vary
Trail type: Loop
Difficulty: Challenging
Trail Direction: Counter-clockwise for hikers, clockwise for mountain bikes
Multi-use trail: Mountain bikes, hikers
Elevation gain: Around 800 feet
Season: All
Dog friendly: Yes, leashed
GPS/cell Service: Patchy
Trailhead parking: Multiple access points. I prefer to park at the Blind Lake Trail head and complete the loop that way. You can park at the Silver Lake Trail head or right off of Hankerd Road near Pickerel Lake Access.
Must see: Multiple lakes, tall pine hallways, Hilltop yurt
Populated: Low Traffic
This trail holds a special place in my heart, it is truly where I fell back in love with the outdoors and learned how to hike. In my early twenties I was looking for an escape, I found it in the hills of Pinckney. I love the versatility of trail combinations and the amount of lakes you get to see while hiking.
Starting at Blind Lake Trail head, you will walk about 1 mile in and run into Blind Lake Campground. This campground is only accessible by hiking in, this campground is just after you reach trail marker 12. When you cross, you will find a vault toilet, 10 campsites, all in which have a fire ring and picnic table. Some offer lake front camping and added this year - hammock stands!
The Pinckney-Potawatomi Trail is the longest and arguably the most challenging trail in the Pinckney Rec. Area. It offers a variety of trail combinations that allow you to cut the 17.4 miles up into smaller portions.
I typically take the shortcut that cuts across Glenbrook Road and lessens the hike by around 5 miles to complete the hike in around 4.5 hours.
Just before the shortcut, you will come across access to the Hilltop Yurt. You can access the Yurt by car or by hiking trail. You can book the yurt by clicking here. The yurt offers a private area overlooking Halfmoon Lake, with picnic table and fire ring, there are signs posted to remind those passing by to remain respectful of those occupying the yurt.
Overall the trail is marked well, you will see the shortcut sign at
mile marker 10.
If you happen to get turned around there are blue paint marks on surrounding trees that confirm you are still following the Potawatomi Trail.
