Location
Augusta, MI (About 2.5 hrs. east of Chicago)
Trail Map
Or, send a SASE and 25 cents to Maps, PO Box 23, Augusta, MI 49012 to have one mailed to you.
Trail Review
This trail is worth the road trip. It contains multiple loops which add up to approximately 15 miles of singletrack. XC and freeriders get something here: stream crossings, log piles, drops, berms, sketchy downhills and sandy spots.
The most popular loop seems to be the red loop, which starts off with a twisted section of singletrack and snakes back and forth in a six foot gully (rumor has it that this gully was actually used for practicing WWI trench warfare!). The gully gives you the effect of "surfing" your bike as you ride up and down its banked sides (keep your speed up and climb the banks!).
The red and green loops also have some great climbs worth tackling. Much of the riding is in the same class as Palos and Kettle Moraine.
You'll enjoy Granny's Garden with its rocky downhills, and a fast run on The Freeway, which is flat, but ends at the downhill run called The Chute.
Turning this trip into a complete weekend is highly recommended.
Getting There
Take I-94 to Michigan. Between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, turn off at exit 85 and go north (left) a few miles to M-96. Turn right and drive through Augusta. At a fork, go to the left of the gas station The entrance is on your right, about a mile past the town (look for signs).
In the park, the trailhead is a ways in. Past the headquarters, veer left towards Eagle Lake. After a mile or so, take a right where a sign shows the trailhead.
More Info
Fort Custer has camping and a lake to swim in after your ride. Like many trails in Michigan, there is a fee: $8 for out-of-state riders, or $29 for an annual pass good at all Michigan State Parks. This money is used to help maintain the trails here.
Michigan has a very active MTB advocacy group, the MMBA. You can learn more about Fort Custer and other great trails in Michigan at their website.