Poto: Potawatomi

[K2Beast]

So you say you are looking for

a few good men

[Dirtdevil]

Always looking........................

[bikehappy]

Yesterday, I rode the Potawatomi Trial for only the second time (and the first time this year). I had a wonderful (if tiring) time. But ....

I got lost twice and was confused two more times because of poor signage. Yes, I did have a map.

Given this trail’s heavy use, I am surprised at the poor signage.

The signage near Pickerel Lake and Crooked Lake is superior, with large numbers, well-marked directions, and maps. Too bad this isn’t true for the entire Poto.

At other spots, the signage is confusing or lacking, as follows:

1. When crossing Hankerd Road between sign numbers 4 and 12, the continuation of the trail on the other side of Hankerd Road is hidden. This year and last year I rode up and down Hankerd Road a little ways trying to find it. I won’t make the same mistake three times. Nonetheless, why should a first-timer (or a two-timer) get lost here?

2. Leaving the Blind Lake campground, a sign indicating that one proceeds right and up the hill instead of straight ahead would be helpful.

3. In the Gosling Lake loop, the second crossing over Doyle Road is badly marked, which is particularly important now since one needs to avoid the wet part of the trail.

4. I had to wait and ask for directions (despite my map) on the little dirt road between Halfmoon Lake and Hiland Lake. The two signs both said “Shortcut”; yet I knew that only one of them led to the #9 sign. The signage at this location is unclear and misleading.

I suspect I am not the first person who has mentioned signage problems on the Poto.

I make these comments in the spirit of being helpful. For Poto experts, which way to go is obvious, but for first-timers, directions could be better.

Sincerely,

BikeHappy

[sumoe]

Yesterday, I rode the Potawatomi Trial for only the second time (and the first time this year). I had a wonderful (if tiring) time. But ....

I got lost twice and was confused two more times because of poor signage. Yes, I did have a map.

Given this trail’s heavy use, I am surprised at the poor signage.

The signage near Pickerel Lake and Crooked Lake is superior, with large numbers, well-marked directions, and maps. Too bad this isn’t true for the entire Poto.

At other spots, the signage is confusing or lacking, as follows:

1. When crossing Hankerd Road between sign numbers 4 and 12, the continuation of the trail on the other side of Hankerd Road is hidden. This year and last year I rode up and down Hankerd Road a little ways trying to find it. I won’t make the same mistake three times. Nonetheless, why should a first-timer (or a two-timer) get lost here?

2. Leaving the Blind Lake campground, a sign indicating that one proceeds right and up the hill instead of straight ahead would be helpful.

3. In the Gosling Lake loop, the second crossing over Doyle Road is badly marked, which is particularly important now since one needs to avoid the wet part of the trail.

4. I had to wait and ask for directions (despite my map) on the little dirt road between Halfmoon Lake and Hiland Lake. The two signs both said “Shortcut”; yet I knew that only one of them led to the #9 sign. The signage at this location is unclear and misleading.

I suspect I am not the first person who has mentioned signage problems on the Poto.

I make these comments in the spirit of being helpful. For Poto experts, which way to go is obvious, but for first-timers, directions could be better.

Sincerely,

BikeHappy

Agreed. Trail Chief?

[Dirtdevil]

I've ridden and hiked out there so many times that I feel like I know the trail like the back of my hand, yet I can see where someone not familiar could get confused. There are some intersections that aren't marked until after you make a decision to go in the direction you "feel" is right.

I am confused about your missing the trail at the Hankerd Rd. crossing as this is a newly improved area and I thought it was quite obvious where the trail re-connects as there is a beautiful new long wooden bridge and the opening is rather obvious.

Hey, is Gosling unde water? Also, is the large tree still down at the shortcut area??

[matt_mccluskey]

Just wanted to say "Thanks" to whoever is building more bridges out there to keep the trail above water/mud/mush. The new wooden paths are much needed in those areas.

[K2Beast]

Was that in the Gosling area

[davidwelsh3]

Bikehappy: I'll take a look at the areas you have pointed out and consider adding them to the list of trail work opportunities.

I saw the new boardwalk. I was not aware that it was going in.

David Welsh
Poto Trail Maintenance Coordinator

[Captain_Piker]

I rode "Old Girl" for the first time this weekend. I am very appreciative of the money and work that went into the the new boardwalks. Now if I can just stay on them! The reroute/boardwalks at Hankered Rd turned out great. My two-cents, a "trail crossing" sign might be a good fit on the dirt road to alert drivers of automobiles entering from Hankered Rd. The trail was in relatively good shape. The bugs were just starting to get organised. Poto is my numero uno.

[Dirtdevil]

Rode Poto on Sat. 5/21. Overall, the trail is in very good shape. The climbs are not yet eroded and it is relatively easy to pick a good line. The one downhill after the first hill of h.ell though is in rough, rough condition. You get some serious speed on your approach, then try to break while hitting some big ruts, roots, etc..... I can see someone getting seriously injured on this stretch. That area has always been a little rough, but not it's a lot worse. You've been warned!

[Hudnut]

A few of us were out today (5/25) and the trail was fine except for 2 bulls roaming through the woods. Ya, bulls with horns and hooves and other cow things. I'm not so sure why they were there but they didn't seem to mind us. One guy from toledo (chime in here if you read this) said he nearly hit the thing. So anyways, watch out for bulls on poto.

[K2Beast]

ride 'em cowboy
Who wants to tip some bulls tomorrow

[WishIcouldcatchmybreath]

You sure they were bulls and not steers? There's only one difference between them....hopefully you know what it is.....

[Hudnut]

You sure they were bulls and not steers? There's only one difference between them....hopefully you know what it is.....

My attention was elsewhere

[hockey_dave]

This probably does not come as a surprise after this weekends storm, but there is a tree down across the poto about half a mile past the first Patterson Lake road crossing. I don't ride that section very often, so I don't know how to describe its location any better than that, but I did mark the spot on my GPS...

N42 26.344 W84 00.359

Dave

PS I didn't see any bulls, steers, or other bovines on my ride.