SE Michigan vs. NE Ohio Suburban Singletrack Shootout # 6: NOT IN MY WHEELHOUSE

The Stony Creek Metropark trails near Pontiac, and the Tuscazoar Trails near New Philadelphia are both at least an hour drive from my home bases in Wixom and Medina, and I haven’t ridden either one enough to come to any conclusion as to which is “better.” But they’re both about 10-15 miles of intermediate riding that qualify for a higher number of ranking points.
I’ve only ridden Stony Creek a couple of times a few years ago, and my memory tells me that the trails were punchy and a bit two-tracky, but I know there have been constant improvements over the last few years. I suppose you could link up the nearby River Bend trails and Addison Oaks/Bald Mountain trails in a day, but my memory of Addison and Bald Mountain is that they weren’t worth the drivetime for me to return (they may have improved as well). People seem to like Stony Creek, but I can’t recommend anyone from Ohio to spend the time weaving through the non-interstate driving route to get there from the Wixom/Milford area.
Tuscazoar has been the scene of a lot of activity over the last few years. The Knobby Side Down crew has developed its own riding culture based on the trail development and race program at Tuscazoar. I’ve ridden there twice recently, and its a fun place, with a cool jump line and enough interconnecting loops to keep the place interesting. I know some people who prefer it over Vulture’s Knob or even Mohican, but for me, it’s just too far to drive.
Gotta go with a tie:
Stony Creek 12, Tuscazoar 12

Next up: Highland vs. West Branch (promise)

BTW: if anybody is actually reading this and you’re having a tough time reading the small print on your phone, I’ve been publishing these reviews on my blog, travelswithpops.blog.