Forbush Corner Expands Mountain Bike Trails with New Skills Loop & Drop Line

The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce was proud to join the team at Forbush Corner in Frederic on Sunday to celebrate another exciting investment in outdoor recreation in our region: the opening of a new mountain bike Skills Loop and Drop Line.

Chamber Executive Director Jillian Tremonti joined Ann, Tina, Mike, Chamber Ambassador Cathy Kibler, and members of the Forbush team, along with a group of mountain bikers who came ready to do more than cut a ribbon—they put the new trails to the test!

The celebration marked another important step in Forbush Corner’s growing mountain bike trail system and its work to expand what has long been a premier Northern Michigan cross-country skiing destination into a place for year-round outdoor recreation.

New Ways to Ride at Forbush

The new Skills Loop and Drop Line are located near the pond and Lil' Coaster ski trail and connect with Forbush’s existing mountain bike single track.

The Skills Loop gives riders an opportunity to build their bike-handling skills through a variety of features, including a technical rock garden and wooden elements. The trail was designed with progression in mind, with ride-arounds available so riders can choose features appropriate for their comfort and experience level.

For riders ready for something more advanced, the new Drop Line includes berms, drops and two large tabletop jumps, along with a dedicated return route that allows riders to head back toward the top or reconnect with the Skills Loop.

The expansion builds on Forbush’s first professionally constructed mountain bike trail, a roughly 1.8-mile single track loop developed with Flowtrack MTB and built to International Mountain Bicycling Association standards. That trail introduced riders to rollers, flowing berms and downhill sections and helped lay the groundwork for the growing trail network visitors see today.

And Forbush isn't finished: the organization is working toward a larger vision of approximately eight miles of professionally built mountain bike trails designed to serve riders with a range of experience levels.

A Four-Season Investment in Our Region

For generations of Northern Michigan residents and visitors, Forbush Corner has been synonymous with cross-country skiing.

Located just east of I-75 at Exit 264 in Frederic, Forbush is situated in Northern Michigan’s snowbelt and offers groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, snowmaking, lessons and winter events. Today, the nonprofit organization is building on that legacy by creating more reasons for people to visit throughout the year.

That matters not only for outdoor recreation, but for our regional economy.

Quality trail systems bring people into our communities to ride, ski and explore—and those visitors also stop for meals, shop at local businesses, stay overnight and discover other things our area has to offer. Continued investment in outdoor recreation strengthens Northern Michigan as a place to visit, live and do business.

The Grayling Chamber is excited to see a longtime regional recreation destination continue to grow while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

There Are Plenty of Ways to Be Part of Forbush!

One of the things that makes Forbush Corner special is the community behind it. As a nonprofit organization, Forbush relies heavily on its volunteers, donors and supporters to maintain and improve the property.

Ride: Mountain bikers can experience the growing trail network during the warmer months, including the new Skills Loop and Drop Line. Riders should check current trail conditions before heading out and follow posted trail guidance.

Ski or snowshoe: When winter returns, visitors can explore Forbush’s extensive groomed Nordic trail system. Daily, multi-day and season passes are available, and Forbush also offers lessons and opportunities for youth groups to learn cross-country skiing.

Volunteer: Volunteers are a major part of Forbush Corner. Opportunities range from trail maintenance and property projects to helping with races and other activities throughout the year. Anyone interested in lending a hand can connect with the Forbush team to learn about current needs.

Donate: Forbush continues to raise funds to support and expand its four-season recreation offerings. Donations help support trail construction and maintenance, grooming, snowmaking, equipment, facilities and future projects. Individuals can make donations, and businesses can also explore opportunities to support Forbush.

Every mile of trail, new feature and improvement at Forbush represents a tremendous amount of planning, fundraising, volunteer time and community support.

Congratulations to Ann, Tina, Mike and the entire Forbush Corner team on this latest milestone. We were thrilled to celebrate with you—and even more excited to see where the trail leads next.

For current trail conditions, skiing and mountain biking information, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Forbush Corner Nordic, visit forbushcorner.com.