singletracks is mountain biking
Sign In | Create Your Account | Site Map | Help  

 

Graham Swamp Mountain Bike Trail

Flagler Beach, Florida

MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating: 33 trail reviews
Status: Open
updated 2/22/11 by eastwood
Difficulty: Intermediate bike trail Intermediate
Length: 5 miles Global Rank: #803
Tread: Singletrack Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 70 Wishlist: 42
Avg. Speed: 7.77 mphAvg. Time: 1hr 42min
Elevation Gain/Loss:
+227/-219 ft
13 trail check-ins
 
Directions: To view directions to Graham Swamp mountain bike trail, please login. If you don't have an account, sign up now: it's free, only takes a minute, and gives you access to tons of other rad features.

Description: Lots of ups and downs for the coast, mostly hardpack with a little sand. Some logs, bridges, jumps, and a lot of switchbacks are here. Some good steep climbs and descents. I'm probably low-intermediate. I find myself getting off over some of the rockier and rougher spots. My old ('89) Rockhopper would be the death of me otherwise. I keep riding in the hopes that a)I'll build my skills, and b) I'll get something lighter, with shocks. I've heard of hoards of wild hogs on this trail, but haven't been there at a good time to see them. Ditto for deer. I've seen a ton of armadillos. I am a bit wary when the trail goes down to swamp level. I'm still new to Florida, and I'd hate to fly over my handlebars and meet a big 'ol snake or gator face to face, so I'm a little cautious at the bottom of the trail.
added on March 8, 2004 by guest
Map   Videos   Photos   Bike Shops  

SIMILAR TRAILS

Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:
 
Turkey Creek in Palm Bay
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chuck Lennon Park in De Leon Springs
 

TRAIL REVIEWS   review this trail


  
reviewed by rbrtsims5 on February 10, 2012

If a bmx track and a sandbox ever had a baby it would be Graham Swamp. Really exciting trail though very sandy in some places. The crew takes great care of this place though and has added to the jumps making this a terrific place to get an adrenaline fix.

Similar Trail: Mala Compra - Advanced portions


  
reviewed by MTBmick on February 6, 2012

Great trail! Different terrain around every turn. Everything from rock gardens , big jumps, tech sections. Best ride is after a good rain though for sure. Gets sandy when its dry out.


  
reviewed by hillary810 on January 23, 2012

Very flowy and turny with lots of option lines for small drops up to 3', as well as slow technical rock features. Finish off with an awesome wooden roll in to hone your tricks on a big table top.


  
reviewed by Robchase on January 9, 2012

This trail is incredibly exciting and full of fun surprises. I rode solo the other morning, but could see spending several hours with some buddies just playing with some of the great features here. Definitely a lot of sand to slow down the flow, but the climbs are fun, and the obstacles make up for it. Will definitely return asap.


  
reviewed by jeffrey_j on December 31, 2011

Best trail in north of I-4 BY FAR IMO. Been to San Felasco and Santos and this trail is overall more fun to me. Those are both great places to ride and put miles in, but Graham Swamp is more like a 6 mile BMX track on steroids! NOT the place to bring the wife for a mellow day of riding!


  
reviewed by Paragon1 on November 27, 2011

Lots of fun, well maintained with endless potential. The crew is constantly updating it, and theres something for every level of experience. Only downside is lots of soft sand that interrupt the flow a bit, but all in all its an intermediate 5 star.


  
reviewed by Screamin_Seaman on November 7, 2011

Rode the trail this past Sunday with a few of the locals and WHAT A BLAST IT WAS! Half of my reason for riding mountain bikes is to stay in shape... this trail is perfect for cardio and fun! There are some section with sand but that is part of the challenges of riding, right!? It flows better than a lot of other technical trails I have ridden. The big roll ins and jumps at the end are a total blast!!!!!!

Similar Trail: Santos/Ocala


  
reviewed by DoubleUp on November 6, 2011

Awesome trail. For a 6.5 mile trail, this is one of the best trails in Florida. Lot of fun stuff through out the whole trail, jumps, drops, rock garden and super cool. A little sandy at times, but after a rain this trail is the best!

* Review edited 11/6/2011

Similar Trail: Graham Swamp


  
reviewed by Wryfox on November 1, 2011

Should be called Sandy Swamp! 6ish mile trail with tons of sand..more than anything in the area. When not sand on trail, is thick with pine needles. Overall its a bit of a challenge, but only because of the soft ground. You will get a workout. There are some steep rocky climbs that can be learned. Scenery is ok and view of trail is quite good. No surprises except for the 20ft Big Drop at the very end. There should be a sign for this before you tumble down the slope like I did the first time. Managed to tame it after repeated attempts but it is intimidating even for intermediate riders.


  
reviewed by Cockefair on October 7, 2011

Awesome trail, tons of downhill with some super tech stuff and a nice rock garden section. I'll being riding here many times to come.

Similar Trail: Mala Compra and Chuck Lennon


  
reviewed by Felt620 on April 20, 2011

This was the first real mountain bike trail I had ridden and even though I thought I was in good shape it nearly beat me! I have since been riding here 1-2 times a week and love it! I have found the Swamp to be a great trail that allows you to continue challenging yourself each ride and has taught me the skills needed to ride any trail at Santos or Alafia. It does get a bit loose and sandy but if you're not up for a challenge then why ride? Overall, great ride, great workout, great trail!


  
reviewed by tyonkers on April 4, 2011

Great trail! The sand on the climbs could make this the toughest 6 miles in north Florida. There is a lot of up and down that you would not expect in Florida. This is one of my favorite trails. Trail is well maintained and loads of fun, great after some rainy days.

Similar Trail: Santos


  
reviewed by jake1 on March 24, 2011

I have rode this trail multiple times and it can be a little sandy at times there are some fast areas and some technical sections it is a good trail. Over all it is a good trail for a couple hour ride a lot of improvement for the better has taken place recently. Update: With the rain in the past couple of weeks the trail is very well packed Yesterday I had no problem with sand was very fast!! It also has a neew table top build over fallon log that rocks!!* Review edited 7/12/2011

* Review edited 7/12/2011


  
reviewed by sevendaysoff on December 19, 2010

wow this place was awesome. very versatile and really tests your endurance for the first few miles. climbs were brutal as the ground was a little loose but the trail was so fun it didnt matter. small stunt sections, good downhill lines, lots of jumps scattered throughout the entire 6 miles. all in all a great FL trail.


  
reviewed by fishboy4505 on December 8, 2010

just rode the swamp. i am a beginner mountain biker but grew up racing bmx. i loved this trail. you could choose the line for your skill level and is a fun trail. great little climbs and some nice downs hills and the course is maintained really well

Similar Trail: chuck lennon is similar but alot shorter


  
reviewed by ajwhited71 on November 23, 2010

Yesturday was the first time I road the Swamp and before going I had this idea that my skill level wouldn't be up for the Swamp. I couldn't be more wrong. This is a awesome trail. It has stuff for all skill level. I am going to ride it again today.

Similar Trail: Mala Compa


  
reviewed by sorebutt on October 3, 2010

Just rode this trail for the second time which was much better than the first. There was so much sugar sand the first time that it was almost impossible to enjoy the ride. Waited for a good hard rain to pack the sand before my second ride which made it much better. It will work you out and test your skills. Only went over my handle bars once in some soft sand with big roots. About a 40 miles drive for me but I will be back to ride again and will hope it rains good first!


  
reviewed by guest on May 23, 2010

The TH is just a very short drive down Colbert Lane from 100 and a bit more drive from Palm Coast Pkwy. This trail has something for everyone; short downhill drops, a few steep climbs, a few obstacles to climb over, small boulders to ride over, and lots and lots of sugar sand. Man, the last time I rode here, the sugar sand was not this bad. The trail rocks, but the sugar sand made it a very uncomfortable ride, especially on the climbs and turns/switchbacks. Crashed off one ledge due to the sugar sand and busted up my right shoulder again. Man was it hot out there as well. All in all, this is a great trail and offers so much, but the sugar sand was a total bummer for such a sweet trail.


  
reviewed by markcamaro88 on March 8, 2010

According to the map the entrance is off Colbert Lane. We went in by a park entrance on Old Kings Rd and didn't find anything more than a half mile loop around a pond! Evidently the side we went in on doesn't connect to the good part, or at least we never found it. I wish this page was around four years ago when I went =( .


  
reviewed by eastwood on February 21, 2010

What an awesome surprise!! Came down on vacation with my buddy and we did not expect the drops and elevations we found here. Great trails built by bikers, got to love that!!


  
reviewed by Mattgarrett on January 30, 2010

I ride this trail atleast 3 days a week. It is an awesome workout and is a great trail that is up kept by great people. I would not say that it is for the beginner or for anyone that is looking for a smooth flat ride. Because the swamp is very much the opposite. This trail is heavy with the up's and downs and thrives on massive amounts of switchbacks... you will be doing alot of 180's out here! It is afun ride and an even better workout


  
reviewed by IRONHEAD1 on December 26, 2009

Well I just purchased a new bike and I happen to live close to this trail. I was pleasantly suprized that florida had such nice trails. I have now been out there 3 times in the last week or so. it is quite challenging and I am quite happy I have full suspension to help with the roots and bumps. this trail has it all and will work you out good. if your in good shape you can run through it in about an hour but you will be tired out. many guys will do a couple laps around the trail. it is one of the best trails anywhere near us outside of ocala which is about an hour drive away.

Similar Trail: martins dairy road


  
reviewed by puglieseme on November 30, 2009

I am also biased as I ride this trail often. It may seem short at 6.5 miles but it is a great workout! It's got a little bit of everything - jumps, short steep descents/climbs, technical rocky sections, roots, wooden ladders, sandy sections. Excellent training terrain to test all your skills. The gnarly stuff can be avoided with the "approved" go-arounds. On occasion you can enjoy seeing an armadillo, turtle, or even a wild boar. As far as the sand goes.....the more you ride it, the more you get used to it. Why would anyone want this trail to be too easy to ride? Just make sure you have a sturdy bike and pedal hard so that you have enough momentum to carry you through the sand. After a good rain, the sandy sections are almost non-existent as the trail has the amazing ability to groom itself. Feel winded? That is the swamp doing its work! Now go home and feel good about yourself!

Similar Trail: I've only been back in FL 2 years and the trails have come and gone. Probably one of the trails in Gainesville (don't remember the name...)


  
reviewed by joetutt on November 29, 2009

This trail rocks! You have plenty of variety out here. Good rocky descents, nice climbs, several jumps, tight switchbacks, skinnies, you name it, you have it out here. The first half mile is pumped full of action. A few doubles, a couple nice drops, small tabletop, etc. This is an intermediate level trail and would be great for anyone who wants to get better and hone their skills. There are several technical areas which all have ride arounds for beginners. Some soft sand out here but really not that much, not as much as you might think and not enough to hurt the trail. The first few times riding may take an hour to complete maybe a bit more. After riding for a while it's a good 45 minute ride. The more you ride, the better it gets. Lots of fun! Major, major, props to the guys who work on this place. Always out there adding things or tightening things up. If you ride this trail, stop by the local bike shops to buy a Graham Swamp calendar ($10.00, or donate more) to help fund the work. If you're in the area put this on your ride list.

* Review edited 2/2/2010


  
reviewed by rpferry@comcast.net on October 23, 2009

This trail will work you out. Very decent jumps to start out then comes the problem the first mile you are either climbing sand or going down into sand. After you get past the first mile or so it actually becomes a pretty decent trail. I will swing by again for another work out. Who needs a stairclimber with trails like this.

Similar Trail: Thomson Trails Macon, GA


  
reviewed by auratone25 on March 30, 2009

I think this trail is awesome. It's 6 miles of jumps, hill climbs, logs, rock sections and a lot of twisting and turning. All obstacles can be avoided if you choose. I hear some people don't like how sandy it is in sections. All in all it's a great workout and some things out there will make you think twice before hitting them. If you can't take a little sand. Come out after a good rain. * Review edited 3/30/2009

* Review edited 7/3/2009

Similar Trail: Santos -


  
reviewed by guest on August 13, 2008

This trail has something for everyone; short downhill drops, steep climbs, a few obstacles to climb over, small boulders to ride over, sugar sand, and of course mud. Not a bad place to ride, but much better when it is dryer. A real good workout!

Similar Trail: Too many to post, but Alafia & Santos are the bomb!


  
reviewed by bluemistic on April 28, 2008

LOTS OF SAND!!! Somre pretty steep climbs, IN SAND. Had to push the bikes up alot of the climbs. Nice elevation changes and some decent downhills. Would be a lot better if it wasn't for all the SAND!!!


  
reviewed by jalford32765 on September 3, 2007

The trail is short only 6.5 miles. But this trail has it all, short downhill drops, steep climbs, a few obsticales to climb over, and rocks to ride over. This trail is a lot of fun. When dry it may have a lot of loose sand spots.

Similar Trail: Alifia State Park


  
reviewed by Numb_Bum on January 10, 2007

I am somewhat biased as my friends and I have been working on this trail for the last 4+ years. The trail is currently running 6.35 miles of tasty goodness, but that was not always the case. Half of the trail was lost in early 2006 due to some timber harvesting. Then to compound the devastating trail loss, we had one of the worst droughts in recent history. So needless to say, there was a lot of sugar sand. However, the torn up sections have been rerouted and are now finally getting packed from rain and usage. In my opinion the trail is better than ever and makes better use of the topography than it did before the reroute. With permission from Flagler County Parks and Recreation as well as St. Johns River Water Management District we have made the trail into one continuous loop that meanders through hilly upland forest that is on the edge of Graham Swamp. There are many downhill to uphill sections where speed is the key, especially in the summer. To go with the fun hills there are several technical rock sections as well as a challenging ground level skinny-to-rock-to-skinny section named "T-Rex". At all of the trail challenges, there are ride-arounds. I would rate this trail as an intermediate level trail that will give you a good indication of you fitness level. If you can ride this trail comfortably with minimal dabs, then you should have no problem tackling the Vortex Loop at Santos or Hardrock with their eternally packed surfaces. Trail signage is coming soon as well as a possible kiosk with map and directions. Please ignore the red and blue paint blazes littered throughout the trail; some crazy person keeps painting out there. The official trail markings will be on sign posts. Come on out and give this trail a go while the Florida riding season is in full swing. Once summer hits, this trail can be brutal. Recommended route: Head south from parking lot to trail access point on south fence where the bike sign is. The trail will meander around clockwise and dump you back into the north side of the parking lot.

* Review edited 1/10/2007

Similar Trail: Santos & Razorback (better trail surface), Martin Dairy in New Smyrna (smaller hills)


  
reviewed by Douglas on September 3, 2006

Great Workout. Tough climbs. Some technical parts in middle of the trail and some fast riding also. Sandy when in the dry season. Watch out for the boar and alligators. Remember you are in a swamp.


  
reviewed by muddog15 on May 6, 2006

I won't be going back to this trail anytime soon my son agrees. Almost all of the trail is soft sugar sand and off camber, and covered with pine straw and leaves or both. I had to hike most of the trail and I have been rideing for 25 years. If I had hikeing boots and my staffs I would have enjoyed this trail a lot more than rideing it. Decents and acents were impossible to negotiate because of all of the 6 inch deep sugar sand. I went over the handle bars on the first decent because of the soft sand. The first 3 or 4 miles of the trail goes through a partialy clear cut area that is not easy on the eyes or the rider & bike. I got a little easier on the backside of the loop and a lot more senic. I couldn't wait untill this ride was over. This trail would be fine for a strenous hike.

Similar Trail: NONE similar that I know of. Hanna Park in Mayport/Jacksonville Florida is the best in N.E. Florida.


  
reviewed by tcs on April 30, 2004

This is probably the best riding in the Volusia-Flagler area, not a huge area but enough to get 4-5 miles in one pass of the "loop". Whoever laid out the trails did a great job cramming in an additional mile or so with all the extra switchbacks & curves, and the unusual terrain is definitely taken advantage of. There are hills here, Florida hills, but more than you might expect to see this close to the beach. A big bonus is that there is very little of the sugar sand that you normally find around here, since these trails are actually on some hills that are completely covered with trees (this means LOTS of leaves/pineneedles covering the ground). These hills also seem to have once been the site of some major coquina quarrying of some sort, so many places actually have very rocky ground. Because some very determined people have put in a lot of time making these trails, you get a good workout over a nice variety of terrain. There are a few spots where you can tell riders have "improved" the area to work on some more technical riding, and if you want some pretty big downhill jumps you don't have to go far from the parking lot. If you live anywhere within an hour or so, do yourself a favor and at least check this place out once. I'd say that regulars at the New Smyrna trails should even give this place a try, I've ridden both place and it's hard to say, but I think Grahm's Swamp get's my vote as the better riding experience. Beware of the wildlife, I've almost stepped on a rattlesnake out here. Recently there has been some paintball activity on the weekends, so look out for them too!

Similar Trail: New Smyrna (Spruce Creek/Martin's Dairy Rd.)

MTB Trail Dashboard

Tags (comma separated)

cancel

Widget Code
copy and paste this code onto your website.
Horizontal Vertical Trail Name


 
 





Site Map | Advertise | Partners | Contact Us | Terms | Privacy
Campground Reviews | Hiking Trails | Trail Running | Skiing / Snow Sports | Mountain Biking
Copyright 2012 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Atlanta, GA
singletracks.com is yet another slick Review App
 
time: 0.097052097320557 seconds