Big M Loop

Manistee National Forest - Manistee Ranger District, Michigan, United States

16.6 miles (26.8 km) · 1,487 ft elevation gain · Loop · Route

Big M Loop is a 16.6-mile loop route in Manistee National Forest - Manistee Ranger District, Michigan, United States, gaining 1,493 feet of elevation. The route follows a valley-shaped elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 5 distinct sections including 1 significant climb. The longest climb covers 6.1 miles gaining 701 feet at an average 0.8% grade. Approximately 88% of the route is runnable at a steady effort. The route opens with mixed terrain and finishes with flat terrain.

Route facts

Distance	16.6 mi (26.8 km)
Elevation gain	1,487 ft (453 m)
Average gain	89 ft per mile (17 m per km)
Longest climb	7.4 mi, 389 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	18.7%
Runnable	88% of the route
Climbs / descents	1 climbs, 1 descents
Profile shape	Down, then up
Difficulty score	4.1 of 100
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	26%
Mild uphill	26%
Moderate uphill	7%
Steep uphill	3%
Mild downhill	29%
Moderate downhill	6%
Steep downhill	3%

Questions about Big M Loop

How much elevation gain does Big M Loop have?

Big M Loop has 1,487 ft (453 m) of elevation gain over 16.6 miles (26.8 km). That averages 89 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Big M Loop?

The difficulty score for Big M Loop is 4.1 of 100. That is harder than 37.5% of routes at a similar distance. About 88% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Big M Loop?

The longest climb on Big M Loop runs 7.4 miles (12.0 km) and gains 389 ft (119 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 18.7%.