MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	45 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 8/27/09 by drexlerkm	Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 5 miles	Global Rank: #14
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 209	Wishlist: 106
Avg. Speed: 5.66 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 13min

 

Lake Accotink Network in Springfield

 

Carvin's Cove Trail system in Roanoke

 

  
reviewed by BU10May on August 21, 2010

Great singletrack that can be very technical with all of the roots. It is a good mix of technical sections separated by flowing singletrack. The climbs present a nice challenge that lead into very nice downhill sections. This trail is a must for DC/N. Virginia riders!

Similar Trail: Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake, PA

  
reviewed by RappAttack on August 11, 2010

amazing trail, bit it in the first hundred feet the first time out. great for working on fitness and tech skills try shock-o-billy hill at the end. not as bad as it looks but still gives you the feeling of accomplishment when you go down it, western VA here i come

Similar Trail: kinda nw to this game but so far nothin like it

  
reviewed by igve2shtz on May 9, 2010

Just rode this today, and this was my first technical trail. It was a blast. Elevation changes, rocks, drops, switchbacks, this had it all. It is now about 8 miles long (bike computer said 7.76), single loop with a few bypasses built in. Eat your Wheaties. I had no clue what to expect and almost ate it in the first 100 feet. I went too hard in the beginning, and wound up tiring out midway through. Lots of roots. I did it in about 1:15, not counting the few stops I took for pictures. Go to the website for a trail map: http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/fountainhead/?pg=mountain_biking.html

  
reviewed by fsfsunshine on October 28, 2009

Great Trail- crazy downhill part- i ate it hard! it is a fun trail with good mixups-

  
reviewed by daveism on August 28, 2009

sucks, like everything in Northern VA

* Review edited 8/28/2009

Similar Trail: none

  
reviewed by drexlerkm on August 27, 2009

Was in good condition on Aug 25. First time there, and had a blast. Nice drive in (once off the highway), gigantic parking lot, and had well marked trails. Like everyone else has said: very technical, unforgiving loops. Those hills will whip you into shape; keep your momentum or you'll pay by huffing it. Looking forward to the ongoing work being done. I'm strongly considering donating a couple weekends or two to trail build.

Similar Trail: Accotink

  
reviewed by Paragon1 on August 5, 2009

Just rode the whole route yesterday, im trying to get the GPS data loaded onto the site as soon as i figure out my 705 (any pointers?) Anyway, great trail, but you wont be on the big crank gear at all... lots of ups with a few flowing downhils on the back end of the trail... Lots of roots though, kinda takes away from it in my opinion. The climbs are going to give you a workout, if you get out of sequence on the way into one you are going to pay for it by walking. They are steep enough to make starting back in the saddle extremely difficult if not impossible. The drops in the end are a bit intimidating at first. If you go right you will come around the bend into a 45+ degree drop down a rock chute, if you go left its a bit faster, not *quite* as hard, but will make you pay if you hesitate or let the back wheel pop off the bumps and buck you off.... just keep your weight back. The more you ride this trail the better, an excellent technical challenge.

* Review edited 8/5/2009

  
reviewed by 1longtime on March 15, 2009

A fantastic ride, climbs and downhills that are made for bikers. Multiple forks that either lengthen or shorten the trip home, and taking the long route is always worth it. At each fork, the right turn will shorten the ride and the left turn will lengthen it. Depending on the route you choose, the trail can actually be around 13 miles, an all-day ride. Moderately technical, lots of challenging but plausible climbs, with one or two well marked dangerous descents.

Similar Trail: Otter Creek Park near Louisville, KY (closed for budget reasons, but sneak in anyway)

  
reviewed by adamth on November 26, 2008

This trail is much more technical (and fun) than say the Quantico trails. The roots make it difficult (especially when covered in leafs and not visible) but not unbearable. The amount of narrow single track and elev changes keeps it very interesting. I plan to ride this trail many more times but perhaps wait until the spring and leafs clear so I can see where the obstacles are.

* Review edited 11/26/2008

  
reviewed by zyoung on November 23, 2008

This is a great singletrack. The routes can be quick or technical, depending on the loops you choose. Tons of roots, leaves and erosion to keep you honest. Some of the climbs are brutal simply because they have no lead in to speak of, just grinding from a dead stop. This course will blow out the lungs and test the legs. Most loops are moderate to advanced riding, with a few expert segments thrown about.

Similar Trail: brush MT

  
reviewed by Kissofaugustan on October 20, 2008

Its an awesome singletrack. It has some great uphill challenges, a few sweet smooth runs, some nice swooping sections, a few fun places for on the trail jumps, a cool little 3 piece technical spot with a see-saw, and one super awesome downhill. There are a ton of roots...pretty much everywhere. I've ridden it twice now (every section) and i love it.

  
reviewed by laurak on October 4, 2008

Very fun! Lots of roots, like Cedarville, but with more elevation change for short but steep hills. A few fun extras, like the seesaw. But trail markings rather confusing--I was there the day before a race, so it might be better usually. Not as hard as southern NH.

Similar Trail: Rosaryville ,Cedarville, and St Mary's River--all a little easier but a good amount of miles and all with their own challenges. Sweet rides.

  
reviewed by skibum on September 26, 2008

This trail is surprisingly tough. The roots are incessant an can, literally, becoma a pain in the rear. 29ers seem very popular here for good reason. The roots can really be a problem when they're wet, which is any morning when there's dew on them. There is some great, flowy singletrack interspersed with the troublesome roots, along with some tough drops into, and climbs out of the various drainages. If you want to challenge your self in ways that are both fun and character building, this is a good place for it. The great thing about this area is that it's just for bikes, so you needn't worry about hikers. Also, all the loops are designated as one way, so you don't have to worry about coming around a blind corner into an oncoming biker. The loops are stacked, so you have multiple options to bail out early.

* Review edited 9/26/2008

  
reviewed by EJensen on June 16, 2008

I live within a 20 minute drive of this trail, so it is my go-to trail. I've ridden it dozens of times, but I'm still not bored with it. I'm certainly not hitting 100% on the climbs, and I have yet to make it through a full loop without a single dab. As noted elsewhere, this is a rooty, rocky trail. There are no more than two or three sections where you can get up any speed over any distance (not counting the steep downhills here). For the vast majority of the ride, you are either pumping hard or on the brakes. This leads to the only knock I've heard about this trail that I can agree with: there's not much of a flow. Virtually no bermed turns that invite you to carry speed through, and no rollers. It's more like an eight-mile-long skills clinic. With that said, there are an awful lot of people in this area like me that come back to this trail over and over. If you want to ride a trail with flow in this area, I would suggest Rosaryville in Maryland. In addition to the regular singletrack trail features, there are two teeters and two skinnies, all of which are optional. Fountainhead, Rosaryville, and a whole lot of other trails in this area are maintained by MORE (www.more-mtb.org). You can get more information on these and other trails on that site.* Review edited 6/16/2008

* Review edited 6/16/2008

  
reviewed by gravatte on May 30, 2008

You must be on your game to ride this trail. I have riden it almost weekly for a few years. Many options for riding however, mostly up and down hill with very little cruising. A super workout. About 1hr 5 min non-stop riding a a good pace.

Similar Trail: Shaffer Park in Maryland

  
reviewed by Blue_Streak on May 21, 2008

This is one of the better trails in northern VA and has some pretty tough uphills and will give you a good workout. Has alot of roots, which stop you from picking up alot of speed . Still a good trail.

* Review edited 8/2/2010

  
reviewed by cbhale on May 4, 2008

Got out to Fountainhead today for a ride I had been meaning to take for a while. What a treat. There were a few tiny mud spots, but otherwise everything is in tiptop condition. Fountainhead is definitely tough on the lungs and I found the climbs tough not because of the grade or length, but because the roots can mean your front tire can do some sliding around. My buddy and I chose to trace the outside loop, but since the trail is a series of linked loops, at any point you can stop following trail arrows and loop around on one of the bypass sections. All in all a wonderful afternoon of riding. I will definitely be coming back from some more spills.

  
reviewed by Shmoo on April 5, 2008

Just did my first ride there today. Did about 7 miles. I've only been to Wakefield and Colts Neck, and this is by far the hardest on the lungs. As someone before posted, there are hidden roots. And the exposed roots can be tricky on the front end when a bit damp. As a beginner it really hiked up my steep learning curve. The fast downhills and the one particular section with a ~45 degree downhill was a lot of fun. Don't be hesitant, and don't let your front tire go off the trail, or you'll lose it. 2 guys went down while we were riding today, so be safe out there!

Similar Trail: not sure...like I said, the two trails I've been on don't really compare to this one.

  
reviewed by jbronko1 on March 2, 2008

NOT A REVIEW - VISITING THE AREA AND SEEKING A RIDE PARTNER ON EARLY MORNING OF 3/8. ANYONE INTERESTED? PLEASE SEND ME A MESSAGE ON SINGLETRACKS.

  
reviewed by PistolPete33 on February 15, 2008

This is a great trail for just about anyone. One of my first real rides was here on an old K2 hardtail with no off-pavement experience and while it was hard, and a bit dangerous, it was a ton of fun. Not recommended for beginners but a great challenging intermediate ride in a perfect location. Fountainhead is also extremely variable, you can take multiple well marked paths and loops and thus stretch together the ride you're looking for.

Similar Trail: Wakefield

  
reviewed by remylacha on November 25, 2007

Just got back from 3rd Fountainhead ride in 4 days -- it doesn't get old. The roots make it a challenge, especially for those riding hardtails. And the carpet of leaves on the ground hiding the roots right now just make it all the dicier! In terms of comparison to Schaeffer as one poster asked, the length and diversity of terrain are somewhat comparable -- but the climbs and drops are MUCH steeper and it is much more exhausting in the end. If you haven't ridden it before (or if leaves are covering everything so you can't see roots . . .), you may walk at least a hill or 2 even if you can generally handle technical terrain just because the lines aren't always obvious around roots. Definitely the best trail in this area -- not the fastest, and not necessarily as many logs, etc. as some others, but the best challenge by far. By the way, the summary says 5 miles -- that's old. With the addition they did on the back a few summers ago and the fact that the old "optional dead-end loop" is now part of the regular course, the full route is about 8 miles unless you take some available marked "bypasses" (short-cuts).

* Review edited 11/25/2007

  
reviewed by TS on November 18, 2007

Technical challenging. Physically demanding. Beautiful scenery. Great fun. In my opinion, the best ride in Northern VA.

  
reviewed by KMT on September 20, 2007

I have not had an opportunity to ride this trail. Technically & Physically, how does it compare to the Schaffer Farms trail in MD?

  
reviewed by ptjunky on September 9, 2007

Rode the trail today and it is in great shape. As mentioned by previous reviews, there is alot of roots. The hills can be challenging if you do not look ahead and pick a good line. The scenery is great. It makes you want to take the big loop and keep on riding. I will be going back.

Similar Trail: Quantico Trails

  
reviewed by dropkiks on September 4, 2007

I consider myself a very good rider, but this trail opened a can on me. Over the handlebars 30 yards into this one. Gotta be fit also, VERY steep ups and downs.

  
reviewed by BaggyPants on August 30, 2007

This trail ate me for lunch. I was not ready for the steep climbs, but will be next time I ride it. I'm a beginner and this trail is not for the faint of heart. I liked it and will ride this again until I defeat the steep climbs. It has great views and has plenty of other riders on the trail.

  
reviewed by douglas.a.gray@cox.net on August 14, 2007

Just finished this trail, and I am completely worn out. Alot of thought put into this course. Some of the hills I found to be completely unclimbable not just because of this grade, but the loose sand as well. Scenery was nice, but I was concentrating on not planting my front wheel on the many roots and rocks. I'll definitely go back.

  
reviewed by vincejesaitis on July 29, 2007

rode this trail today for the first time in about a year -- it is a bear! it is seriously the most physically challenging ride i have ever done (never been out west though), but if you get tired at wakefield or sheridan farms, better get in some endurance work before you head to fh all singletrack, a lot of roots, a lot of climbs, and a lot of fun. the track has roots and rocks all over which keep you from getting in a real rhythm on the climbs, but hey, that's what mtbing is about, right?

Similar Trail: nada

  
reviewed by senator on May 29, 2007

This trail, while beautiful and worth every amount of energy spent riding it, is physically exhausting if you are not ready for it. I speak from experience! I have been riding Wakefield every day for the past 2 months, and thought I'd give Fountainhead a try with my friends. I thought I was ready. However, the trail owned me. There are several large hills at the beginning from which I was never able to fully recover. The downhill was no help, because they are all filled with a few technical challenges. While I complain about my own level of fitness, this trail is still worth it. It is beautiful, scenic and dare I say: epic. I will be returning this weekend. And this time, I won't have a full stomach of greasy foods not more than 10 hours old sitting in my stomach. I think that, more than anything, accounted for my utter failure on this ride. Oh, how I can't wait to try again. I will post an update when I tame this trail. In the meantime, it is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some grueling hills and fun (but oh, so short) descents.

Similar Trail: Wakefield

  
reviewed by Tadd03 on April 12, 2007

An excellent ride for beginners through experienced riders. It has good technical portions along with some nasty uphill and fun (if brief) downhill portions. Getting there is easy and navigating the trail a breeze. Definitely recommend.

Similar Trail: Wakefield

  
reviewed by yellowXtrek on December 21, 2006

This is a really cool trail. It has some decent climbs and is a blast to ride. There are some technical sections that will keep you on your toes. I would highly reccomend checking it out.

  
reviewed by Rodrigo on August 19, 2006

Excellent place. Some technical challenges. It was my first time here and I would definetly come back. Directions getting there are accurate and parking was a breeze.

  
reviewed by MCHolstrail on August 3, 2006

I like this trail. It is awesome. Bring plenty of water and definitely have a multi-tool and patch repair kit just in case (You wouldn't want to walk that baby back from the furthest point). The trail is fairly technical and offers a good mix of terrain. Ride the log rail by the creekbed, gangsta.

  
reviewed by Lawmaster87 on July 31, 2006

Great trail for beginners and more seasoned riders. Nice mix of ups and downs. Trail flows well, with a nice a few technical rock and log sections. Fountainhead is a must ride if you are in the area. Just don't lock your front rim brake and fly over the bars into the trees while entering a switch-back. The first trail that my riding buddy "Roots" flipped over the bars. The list of trails where this has happened is growing quickly. Great trail though.

* Review edited 9/20/2007

  
reviewed by zenmaster1273 on April 20, 2006

This trail is a good challenge for intermediate riders. It's a good all around trail. It has a lot of rolling hills to keep you working hard and the descents are short enough to not give you much recovery time if you don't stop for a rest. There is some fairly technical stuff for intermediates as well. Lots of roots to raddle you when going downhill so your bike will definately need maintenance after riding here. The actual length of the trail is actually about 8 miles if you do the complete loop without taking short cuts. There is some great views of the Occoquan River, some good fishing, archery zones and dedicated hiking/HBR trails. The MTBR trail is for MTBR only, no dogs allowed either, so the only disruption you have for your ride is either other MTBR's and the scenery.

Similar Trail: Accotink or Potapsco

  
reviewed by McStrings on August 4, 2005

Fountainhead is a good workout and good practice. It's a nice spot, especially by the river. My only issue is that it feels like a playground to me. I prefer the cross-country experience to Fountainhead's Escher-like obstacle course.

Similar Trail: Patapsco State Park, MD

  
reviewed by HACBIKES on July 22, 2005

Fountainhead is great a must ride. I rode it on a trip that I took to visit my freinds in Fairfax when I was 13. I was on a fully rigid bike and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Their seemed to be almost no one there when we went. A favorite.

Similar Trail: White Ranch, CO

  
reviewed by schmuck on July 13, 2005

A sweet single track for single speed riders. There are a couple a good technical hills and one nice rocky downhill. An all around fun ride! They close when it is too slick so it keeps the trails nice and narrow.

  
reviewed by kltbo on December 11, 2004

This trail is fun when not wet. I rode here about a day after a rain and it was still very slick, almost too slick to be confident over rocks and roots. I advise waiting at least 48 hours before riding here after a rain, even if the sign says the trail is open.

Similar Trail: Patapsco

  
reviewed by pedalmasher on December 8, 2004

This is a really fun trail with some narrow singletrack, steep but short up and down hills. The soil ranges from rocky, sticky do-able climbs to fast, fun sandy downhills. There are some great views of the Occocuan Resevoir and some good fishing too! Enjoy!

Similar Trail: Rosaryville, Schaffer Farm.

  
reviewed by mdmtbkr on November 11, 2004

rode earlier in year, Trail seems difficult but fun. I do not frequent this place due to the technical sections and closures due to rain. I will ride again, but probably not until spring.

Similar Trail: Patapsco

  
reviewed by czb on October 30, 2004

This is a good all around single track trail - perfect for intermediary riders who have developed some confidence and can navigate a somewhat nasty arrangement of roots and rocks, especially in the spring and fall when wet and slippery. There is only a handful of of places where you can pick up a lot of speed, but, on balance for the intermediary rider at least, any more might be a problem. The park is designed in a series of loops, enabling a rider to go out and take on just as much or little ride as time permits. You can go out for basically a one or a two hour ride without any doubling back, so if you want to do the tracks more than once you can easily get a 3-4 hour excursion in. The trails have bikers, but never so many that it's a problem. 90 percent of the trails are one-way. It's all single track. About three quarters of the climbs present no problem. About ten percent are tought but doable. This leaves maybe 10-15 percent just a b**** to navigate, especially when wet.

Similar Trail: Gambrill in Frederck, MD

  
reviewed by hillsdalemc on October 15, 2004

I thought the trail was a little too rough in areas. Coming back in I actually bent my shifter because of the roots. If you like variety this place offers it, its a great ride (to me ruined by the roots and a few ridiculous climbs). There are a lot of good sections here and it is all singletrack.

  
reviewed by reh on August 4, 2004

This is a very well maintained trail. Short, not epic, 1 hour to rice it all. It is not too technical, the one biggest challenge: "Shock-a-billy" looks intimidating, but it completely doable. There a many hills making for a nice aerobic ride, it is bumpy, but not overly so. Some rocks, some roots. The wooded area is mature and thus, there is a minimum of low growth, making for wide, easy to follow trails. No getting smacked in the face with briars. I rode this in the "Cranky Monkey" race this year (2004), a very nicely organized event.

Similar Trail: Wakefield

  
reviewed by getonthetrail on December 24, 2003

Having moved from Atlanta Georgia I was looking for a trail that could come close to Yellow River in Stone Mountain Georgia. This trail is the closet yet! I've ridden several trails in the D.C. area and think this is the BEST ride in the area. I've ridden this trail four times in the last three weeks! The trail provides a technical, fun and physical ride. Once summer is back this will be a weekly ride for me!

Similar Trail: Yellow River Atlanta, GA

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