MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	9 trail reviews
Status: Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 30 miles	Global Rank: 490
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 72	Wishlist: 39
Avg. Speed: 3.98 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 56min

 

Patapsco Valley State Park (Avalon Area) in Ellicot City

 

  
reviewed by skibum on October 13, 2008

WOW! I never thought I'd find riding this good out east, let alone near DC/Baltimore. The constant rock gardens force you to stay focused and light on your pedals. There are extended climbs larger than you'd expect in this area and consitently technical descents long enough to really paste a grin on the face of a confident rider. The yellow trail makes for a great advanced, techncially challenging loop with a super variety of singletrack. Take it counterclockwise, and be sure to do the optional extension (also CCW) and you'll get in some sweetly flowing smooth singletrack to go with the rock festival. If that's too tame, head for the steeper, rockier (if that's possible) black trail. For long mileage, take the blue out and back. All these trails share some segments so it's easy to do a little of everything, if you've got the legs for it.

  
reviewed by JamisJP on July 19, 2008

This is definately not for the weak of heart. It is a technically challenging ride with plent of bumbs. Come ready to take your time and enjoy the ride. Trying to power through this trail in most places just isnt an option.

  
reviewed by jamis.biker on January 21, 2008

All I can say is Wow. The Yellow trail is long and hard with all of the Rocks and boulders. I thought it was great with in the first 500 meters of the trail there was a dead raccoon that looked like it had been run over by a bike and broken reflectors and pedals all over the trail. It is hard on your bike, but just take it easy and you'll be fine. Stay off the black trail unless you like carrying your bike. The Red trail has an awsome downhill section with logs every 10 meters or so. You can pick up some major air and speed. This is NOT for beginners, but it is a technical challenge.

Similar Trail: I have no idea. Why would someone do that to them selves. :)

  
reviewed by nivek27 on October 23, 2007

I rode the yellow trail. Make sure you bring tools and have plenty of water. This trail was extremely rocky (I have never seen a trail with this many rocks). There were seveal sections that I was not able to ride (more advance riders might be able to). Even with all of the rocks it was still a fun course. A couple of nice rocky very technical downhills and a couple of fire road uphills. I will definitely ride this course again on my next trip to Maryland.

* Review edited 10/23/2007

  
reviewed by KillerKoalas on July 15, 2006

This truly is slow riding at its finest! After hearing so much about Gambrill i decided to give it a try myself and man what a blast! I only had time to do the yellow loop but when you throw the extension in there it turned out to be a decent ride. As the others have said the trail is pretty much all rock so be prepared, your in for a bumpy ride! Don't forget to bring plenty of water and tools would also be a good idea.

  
reviewed by mtbkramer on March 15, 2006

I rode straight down the green trail from the parking area and it was rough! There are a lot of rocks, stumps, and fallen trees on the trail, but it was a blast! It levels out a bit and the trails is a nice narrow singletrack. There are some steep sections to ride, but this is what technical riding is all about. After riding the green, I decided to hit the red trail. I made the mistake of heading down the trail where it runs parallel to the road. While it was fun heading down (watch out for stuff under the leaves) it was a killer coming back up! The trail headed off to the right and it was a pretty nice ride until a sharp turn to go back up the hill. This section was very narrow and pretty much all rock! What's a ride without a little hike-a-bike, right? When I finally got to the top of the section, I just headed right and back down to the parking section. I would make sure that your hydration pack is filled, you have lots of gu or clif bars on hand, and definitely make sure you pack some tools - the trails are rough! I love it up there and plan to hit the trails at least once per week.

Similar Trail: Cooper's Rock State Park, WV

  
reviewed by McStrings on August 4, 2005

I did this ride years ago and had a surreal experience. I photocopied directions out of Scott Adam's book (the written directions and not the map, unfortunately). There's a misprint so my friend and I turned on to a road according to the written directions, which were WRONG. We ended up lost, out of water, out of food, and in the dark with no lights. Oops. The National Guardsmen doing night training was an interesting touch. The trails were gnarly -- roots, rocks, steep, harrowing. This was back before I even knew of full suspension bikes so I wonder how I'd feel on the trails now. Go prepared and with plent of daylight and you'll have a good, challenging ride.

Similar Trail: Henry Coe State Park

  
reviewed by czb on October 30, 2004

This trail is very tough aerobically, and there is a great way to extend your workout. The trail heads are about four miles from the city of Frederick. A great warm-up is to ride from town, which provides a nasty 7 percent grade climb in spots (and an exhilirating ride back!). This gets you very ready - or very tired - for the trails. The trails. Mostly all single track. About 20 miles of interconnected trails. Some are just not navigable. The rocks are a serious problem. Never seen rocks and technical nastiness like this out west. Very West Virginia feeling in terms of plants and trees and rocks. Roots are a serious hazard. Lots of experienced bikers, but zero congestion. Bring a f-load of water. This is a perfect trail for really experienced riders but completely accessible for everyone else, depending on which trail you select.

  
reviewed by getonthetrail on September 11, 2004

This trail is sooo sweet! I rode the green trail first then the yellow. I would recommend riding the yellow trail first then see how you feel. Then maybe ride the blue or green trails. The green trail is extreme, very technical up hills. The yellow trail is suppose to be intermediate. It is in spots! The yellow trail is technically challenging as well and about 7.5 miles long. There is a great 3 mile addition to the yellow trail that I suggest taking! I had a great time! I will be riding this trail again very soon! There are plenty of trails to ride yellow, green, black, blue and red. The white trail is not for MTBs. Bring extra water, tools and fitness!

Similar Trail: Fort Mountain State Park, GA

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