The Tincup Trail system is a 17 mile loop through the woods that provides visitors with a rolling trail, lots of trees, mud-traps and a few hills. The difficulty of this trail is low, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting. This was the best trail system we've visited so far. It isn't a two track, but what Michigan calls an ORV Route which means that motorcycles, quads and Jeeps share this trail.

The trail is located west of Reed City, Michigan just north of Route 10. The map below shows the location of the trail, and the dark line indicates roughly how the loop travels.

We visited this trail in July of 2007 with two other Jeeps and had our own little Jeep Jamboree. Out of the trails we've visited thus far, Cedar Creek, White Cloud and Horseshoe Trails, this trail was the most fun. The reason for this is that the forest is very pretty throughout the area and the trail is interesting enough to keep your attention. We traveled the trail in a counter-clockwise direction, but I don't think there is a right or wrong way to go.

One caution is that since we share this trail with others, be mindful of ongoing traffic. The trail etiquette is that when a motorcycle approaches, they will hold up fingers to indicate how many motorcycles are behind them. When the last motorcycle passes he will hold up his fist. Since our little jamboree spread out a lot on the trail we did the same so the motorcycles would know there were more Jeeps behind us. Also, when a motorcycle came up from behind, we always pulled to the side and let them pass. I don't mean to make this sound like there is a traffic jam on the trail, because there isn't. In our 17 mile trip we probably passed four groups of motorcycles/quads.

Our trips are family outings so we try to bring plenty of food and take frequent breaks along the trail to give everyone time to relax. We stopped several times and I would suggest that anyone visiting should pack a lunch and stop around the 9 or 10 mile mark to enjoy the area.

I've documented this trip a little differently from previous trips by using a custom photo viewer. The viewer is still a little rough as of this writing so it isn't the easiest task to view the images, but I'm working on it. Because we have so many pictures from each trip I thought it better if a viewer was used. For one thing, this helps slower connections because they don't have to download all of the images. This also gives me a good way of commenting on the pictures.

As you click on the images below there are comments along the bottom. Use the arrows on the right and left side to scroll through the image bar.

At the trailhead there is a parking lot where we were able to drop the tops and arrange our gear for the trip

There are two sets of trails in the Tincup Trail System. This sign shows the ORV Route which is where Jeeps can go.

The second type of trail is an ORV Trail which is only for motorocycles and ATVs.

long the trail are various markings to let you know here you are. Every mile or so there is a signpost indicating the location ID to give to a 911 operator if the need arises.

After our first mud bath

The Jeeps are just starting to get a little muddy. Look at the smiles on the kids!

My son is wondering how am I going to see out my side mirror since it is covered in mud.

The continuous use by ATVs and dirtbikes has created many off-camber sections on the trail.

Our first stop after going for about 5 miles. The rain just started to come down, but everybody was enjoying themselves. On this section of trail the trees provided pretty good cover from the rain. Before we stopped for lunch the rain had dried up and we had a nice sunny day.

Another example of the ORV markings on the trail. These trails are clearly marked which makes for a nice adventure into the woods.

Now we are starting to have fun. In this section of the trail were several large water areas. The bottom of the trail was still hard so we had no trouble getting through the mud.

Another mud puppy!

After two Jeeps went through, the bottom has to be getting a little sloppy, but still no troubles

Vrrrooomm!!!

MUD!!!!

The entire Tincup trail is very nice. Here is a good picture of what the majority of the trail looks like.

As we neared the last part of the trail the berms started getting very large.

More birms

One section of the trail follows some power lines. This is a fun section of the trail because the there are a lot of moguls.

More of the power line trail.

In this picture you can see the small moguls we are traveling over

Which way do we go? Notice the different directions for the ORV Trail and ORV Route. Remember, the Jeeps need to stay on the ORV Route.

Nearly completed with our trail we had one last stop

Still stopped

Looking up the trail. The end of the trail is just around the bend from here so we took our time before heading out.