MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	5 trail reviews
Status: Wet / Sketchy updated 2/12/09 by area701 Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 30 miles	Global Rank: 438
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 32	Wishlist: 14
Avg. Speed: 7.41 mph	Avg. Time: 3hr 55min

 

  
reviewed by mtmiller302 on January 9, 2009

Loops can be done from about 10-30 miles. Average of one good climb every mile, average climb is 140 feet. Biggest hills are between miles 15.5 and 17. Most popluar loop avoids this area and results in about 22-23 miles of cross-country bliss which the average rider can do in 3-5 hours.

Similar Trail: Harmony Hill in Downingtown - a mini Blue Marsh!

  
reviewed by doctor on November 29, 2008

not much technical riding but some of the climbs can be a bear..especially when im used to riding in south jersey. lots of fun and fast when it isnt wet.

  
reviewed by Devilbane on January 15, 2008

Blue Marsh is sweet, alot of technical on the boat launch side of the trail, nasty roots and some challenging climbs. going past the visitor's center there are a few good climbs but all in all a pretty tame ride...be sure to find the shale hill on that side...pretty tricky downhill and be sure to not end up in the lake on that hill lol... There is also reeber's bridge trail located just down the road from the stillway and visitor's center...very tame trail nice for beginners or just a leisure ride.

  
reviewed by nikvdw on September 25, 2007

I decided to try my cyclocross bike here. We started about mile ten and went clockwise, including going thru the insane uphill and the flat revert back to the north side church road. Needless to say we had our hands full, especially on the cross bike, lots of dismounts and rocky jarring skidding cross ballet, roots, turtles, deer, frogs, water views, corn cliffs, switchbacks. We carried 4L of water thinking we would make it to the boat ramp. We got to church road after our 12 mile 2 hour trek thru the old ski area and ditched it and road the 5 miles back to the car dehydrated and defeated. I would definetly do the whole loop with twice the water and food. i think the 22 mile loop crossing the Church road bridge would be a perfect 2-3 hour ride. Lots of horse riders and manure on the trails by the ski area west of church road bridge. Bring bathing suit, water, food, tube, tools and have fun, this place is awesome and long, a great slightly technical calorie burner!! It took us 3.5 hours with a sto for lunch. it would take us 4-5 to do the whole loop with stops.......Anyonw who does it in under 3 hours would need a an ambulance, or didnt bother to stop and enjoy the water or all the places to stop and relax......* Review edited 9/25/2007

* Review edited 9/25/2007

Similar Trail: Brandywine, Patapsco, White Clay,

  
reviewed by tgcarch on October 12, 2006

This is a great trail. I am fortunate enough to live about 10 miles from this trail. I am new to MTN biking, but I really am enjoying riding at Blue Marsh. There are esentially 2 major loops at BM, divided by Church Rd.; an 8 mi loop and a 22 mi loop. The 8 mile loop is actually called "Roadkill Hill" and is a huge, killer uphill, ("walk") followed by a break burning sweet downhill. It actually goes up the back of an old ski slope, to give you an idea of how steep and long of a climb and descent it is. The 22 mi loop is full of short to medium climbs, partially wooded, partially open meadows, some technical sections, and stream crossings, one of which is 3' deep, good luck with that one! I will post a pic of my attempt soon. Lots of parking lots and entry/exit points along the trail allow you to customize your ride to your time constraints, as a beginner I dont think it is possible to complete the 30 miles in 2-4hrs without needing a difibulator, and CPR, but I will keep trying. The main trail also has lots of smaller side loops along its length, which can make for a much longer ride than the 30 miles. Watch for hunters, joggers, and walkers. See you on the trail, sweet singletrack.

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