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Posted on Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.

Stinchfield Woods is a favorite for experienced back country skiers

By Ann Dwyer


If you ask skiers about the roller coaster hills in Stinchfield Woods, they'll most likely be able to direct you there. Mention that "one hill," and they'll give a knowing nod.

Located off North Territorial Road, just north of Dexter, Stinchfield Woods offers some of the most challenging and beautiful back-country skiing in the area. Owned by the University of Michigan, the woods contains the Peach Mountain Observatory and is also used as a field research area for the university's students and faculty.

One of the big draws for skiers is the hills located within the woods. The "roller coaster hills" are made up of three hills in a row. The goal is to go down as fast as possible to see how far up one can get on the next hill.

The "one hill" is a hill large enough to be a beginners' slope for downhill skiers. The top of the hill isn't visible from the bottom. Unlike typical slopes, this hill ends with a 90-degree turn at the bottom that is bordered by trees. On slender cross-country skis, the hill is made for only the most experienced skiers or those with a death wish.

Death-wish hill aside, Stinchfield Woods is not for the novice. The trails are narrow and lined with trees. Even on the weekends, long periods of time can pass before you see another person. The trails aren't marked, and what maps are available online aren't much help.

Because the trails aren't marked, it is impossible to gauge the difficulty ahead if you are new to the trail. You may end up on a hill that requires several sharp turns.

As long as you're prepared with the proper equipment, first-aid supplies and other necessities (remember, too, that there are no bathrooms!), including a cell phone, Stinchfield Woods can give you a reason to look forward to winter.

Watch the video to get a look at Stinchfield Woods and hear what others have to say.

If you'd like to check out these challenging trails, Stinchfield Woods is located at 9401 Stinchfield Woods Road in Pinckney. However, only official vehicles are allowed to park at the woods. Park near the road in the lot across from the Dexter Animal Clinic.

You'll then need to cross the road and ski along the edge of the field to reach the entrance to the woods.

And when the snow melts, Stinchfield Woods is a great place to hike in all seasons.

Comments

zeeba

Sat, Mar 6, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.

"That one big hill" is really fairly tame - it's just long, very manageable for intermediates. The dangerous parts of Stinchfield are the short, steep hills you encounter heading toward the northeast part of the property, where the WUOM antenna is. The big danger is getting lost in late afternoon and getting stuck in the middle after dark. Since it's open to the public, U-M really ought to mark the trails for safety's sake.

cinnabar7071

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 6:23 p.m.

Now if only you would give up your "secret" fishing spot. LOL

cook1888

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 6:18 p.m.

Hudson Mills is a great place for beginners and advanced beginners. It is a lovely place year round.

Matt Kaz

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.

An article on cross country skiing just in time for spring! Guess we don't have to worry about an influx of other skiers... Just kidding. Nice story and glad to see one of my favorite places get some press... but hope it continues to be a mellow, relaxing and peaceful place.

AAJoker

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 4:17 p.m.

I hear Radrick Farms is becoming very unfriendly towards the public (does this mean we can we start taxing this land?), so I'd imagine Stinch will be seeing more and more business!

Paula Gardner

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 4:01 p.m.

I can attest that this site is not for beginners... this is where my now-husband took me for my 2nd time on cross-country skis. He assured me that because I'd done so well the first time, I was ready for Stinchfield. I still remember standing at the top of that big hill (which he calls the Franz Klammer run, paying homage to the Alpine racer) and thinking: "There is NO WAY." But it is lovely there and, while challenging - it's really worth it.

Ann Dwyer

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.

Bryce-I thought some people might get upset at the idea of a "secret" place being uncovered. That is why I wanted it to be clear that this isn't for beginners. I believe that any newbies that check it out will already have the equipment and the experience. And I think they will already understand to respect places such as Stinchfield. This is a favorite place of mine, and the last thing I would ever have happen is for it to be overrun. Hudson Mills is just down the road, beginners can start there or at any of our wonderful Metro Parks.

Epengar

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.

Stinchfield woods is managed by the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Here's an excerpt from their web page about the property: Public use of Stinchfield Woods is encouraged. Rules for public access include: * No parking in front of the access gate. * Public use hours are from dawn to dusk only. * No vehicles or bicycles are permitted on the site except those for approved research and teaching use. * Dogs with owners are welcome to visit, but they must be on a leash (the dog, not necessarily the owner). * No cutting or collecting of plant material; no hunting or harming vertebrates. More information, including maps and directions and a history of the property is on this webpage: http://snre.umich.edu/facilities/properties Stinchfield Woods is also the home of the Peach Mountain Observatory, where the U operates a radiotelescope, and the friendly University Low Brow Astronomers hold regular open houses and star-gazing events. Well worth a visit! http://www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/

Bryce

Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.

While I'm glad that this great nature area is getting some press, I'm also selfishly unhappy that it will now get an influx of people coming to explore it. Hopefully no one at the U gets it in their head to close it all down because of it.