MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	29 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 1/25/12 by jpmtbr1	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 18 miles	Global Rank: #44
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 139	Wishlist: 75
Avg. Speed: 9.06 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 56min
IMBA Epic Trail
5 trail check-ins

 

Gene's Loop in Anniston

 

Usa in Mobile

 

Swayback Bridge Trail in Wetumpka

 

  
reviewed by brcjacks on February 6, 2012

An absolute riot! I parked at the South Trail Head lot and rode this trail system (Red Trail) for the first time on Saturday. I've been training for the Southern Cross in Dahlonega, GA (50 mile race) so I was looking for some long trails with good climbs and was not disappointed although I would have preferred to have had the time to do it twice. I rode the newer 4.5 miles around the lake as a warm-up. Very well groomed trail and easy enough for young kids to ride if they have a little experience. Lots of twisty single-track and a couple log crossings but there are generally alternate routes around the logs. Once moving across the street and on to the 16 mile loop things get a little more advanced. There are plenty of opportunities to bail out and ride the road back during the first few miles of this trail. If you choose to continue things get progressively more challenging. There are a bunch of small climbs and descents. You'll encounter both berm-ed turns as well as some off camber stuff. The tight single-track continues for a few miles more before you are dumped out onto a jeep road. This is the beginning of a climb that is about 4 miles long but never gets too steep. I was able to burn all the way up without even thinking about my granny-gear. Along the way there are several water crossings that have been paved with concrete and stone to prevent erosion and make the crossings easier. For me the water was no more than 8-10" deep and I just rolled on through. there are flat section during this climb so stick with it, you will get recovery opportunities. Once at the top you get some nice views for a few hundred yards followed by a fast straight decent. I came across a trail to the right labeled "B.U.M.P. Connector" and it looked more fun and technical than the jeep road I was descending on so I hung a right and dropped in. Be warned, this is a new section and it is VERY technical. I equate it to World Cup Downhill terrain although you won't attain those kinds of speeds. Yes, I've raced those courses. There are many tricky rocky sections that will challenge the best riders abilities. Once you complete the technical section you will be rewarded with some of the most fun trails I have ever been on. It's a couple miles of smooth, fast rollers with minimal climbing that dumps you out on the road just a couple hundred yards from the South trail Head parking lot. Overall this was a great ride. Something for everyone although I think a lot of it was over-groomed but I think that's intentional for the beginners.

Similar Trail: Single track like Clinton Nature Preserve in Douglas County, GA. Jeep roads like the Forrest Service roads in the North GA mountains. Technical descents like the downhill course at Mt. Snow, VT or Platterkill, NY.

  
reviewed by colpotatos on January 23, 2012

Hardest trail I ever rode. i learned quickly to mind my speed as the paths can be slick, especially with some pine needle coverage. I recommend doing the loop once in the dirt and then once on the road. The downhill on the road is an incredible rush. Highlights include that massive climb over 4 miles and the roller-coaster back end of Jeckyll and Hyde. I was warned you can get pretty screwed up on that, but didn't have a problem. The technical stuff before it was just nuts. Gears and full-suspension would make this more enjoyable. My buddy and I had hard tails, his being a fixed-gear. It's doable but on a fixie but talk about punishing.

Similar Trail: In the southeast? I can't think of one.

  
reviewed by tir38 on December 22, 2011

I rode this trail as part of the Chainbuster's MTB series. I saw some videos of people coming down Blood Rock. The race went up it so there was some hike-a-bike. I'd say the technical parts are very rewarding if you can complete all of them. Its like a mini Snake Creek: lots of rock gardens and technical stuff sandwiching some smooth flowy single track. I think the horse trails are a separate system but they do cross a couple of times.

  
reviewed by zacmartin on December 5, 2011

Rode here for the first time this morning. There is a lot of trail here, very well maintained, and there are some great sections. Overall, my endurance wasn't quite where it needed to be to make the most of it, but I'll definitely try back in a few months.

  
reviewed by jmick on November 29, 2011

A long ride, I split it in two between two seperate business trips to B'ham. Half day affair each time. Also rode a couple of 30 minute sessions on other days--quick out and backs because park closes at sunset (that's a bummer). Definitely well marked and maintained. Tons of fun with some great uphill climbs and rewarding descents. Fun flowy areas mixed in with some technical rock and root sections. Oak Mtn paved roads also very popular with the skinny tire set so if you road bike you'll want to bring that too.

  
reviewed by Spartan on November 3, 2011

Place is sweet! I got there at 4:30 and they close the gate at 6pm...So I had to haul ass...Then found out from the gate that the trail head is 5miles drive into the park.. It was cold and wet with lots of leaves so hard to see the trail protrusions...In any event, the place is awesome cant wait to come back when I can spend a few hrs...

  
reviewed by annistonfire153 on October 29, 2011

Tons of fun! My lengthiest ride so far and i loved it. It has a long climb riding the direction i did but i got paid pretty good for my efforts once i topped the hill and headed downhill for at about a mile. Awesome trail and I've heard they are going to expand. Nice.

  
reviewed by BhamJonathan on July 22, 2011

Up to 25 miles of trails now and many more miles of single track are the planning stages. A new technical section has been completed for advanced riders. This is easily the most maintained trail in Alabama. NOTE: If you are coming in from out of town put a post on the BUMP.ORG web site and you're sure to have a group of locals gladly join you. What I personally like about this trail is that it has so much to offer. You've got single track, numerous bridges, rock garden, a 2 mile climb, a new advanced technical section, a section for beginners, some is rough riding some is smooth and flowing. the scenery is nice if your going slow enough to notice.

* Review edited 7/22/2011

  
reviewed by delphinide on June 12, 2011

I have ridden this trail for years everytime I go back to Alabama to visit family, and every time it seems to get more fun. There are some long, fun climbs and blood rock is definately a technical section, albeit not very long. The downhills are a lot of fun...but caution if you ride when it's wet. If you ride this trail in the summer, I recommend getting started early...it gets pretty muggy in Alabama. Bring lots of water. Thanks to BUMP for such a great trail!!!

  
reviewed by bimmergal on March 21, 2011

This was a very fun trail! Blood Rock had some sharp turns, roots, and rocks. Very clean trail and beautiful scenery.

  
reviewed by indamtnsbj on July 21, 2010

fun trail with lots of differing terrain. Rock gardens, rock drops, fast downhill doubletrack and flowy singletrack. I started from the paddle boats and did the trail in a clockwise direction. The long climb up the mountain on the doubletrack is doable, but long. I thought Blood Rock was overrated. Pretty simple to do if you go slow and choose the best line. Fun flowy singletrack after Bloodrock all the way back to the parkign area. There is a new section that supposedly adds about 3 miles to the end for a total of 20 miles.

Similar Trail: Coon mountain, Tanasi

  
reviewed by nmbossert on July 3, 2010

this trail is awesome both in summer and winter. I highly recommend getting a group together and renting a cabin for a weekend of riding. downhill rock garden is one of my all time trail faves.

  
reviewed by ericjm425 on May 22, 2010

This trail is great and has it all. It has great climbs, singletrack, technical sections, rock gardens, screaming downhill, bridges, etc, etc.. The trail is also kept up very well and drains well with rain. It can be ridden year round and has great parking and facilities. One of the best trails in the southeast without a doubt.

Similar Trail: Ocoee White Water Center, Ducktown TN

  
reviewed by johnygoat on December 7, 2009

Best cross XC single track in the state. Thank you to BUMP. With the new trail extension behind the lake and over the dam, this should receive an EPIC rating from IMBA.

Similar Trail: Monte Santo, Lake Howard/Sylaward

  
reviewed by GoKite5 on November 30, 2009

No technical challenges, but 18 fantastic smooth trail miles. Great long climb. Beautiful scenery.

* Review edited 7/25/2010

  
reviewed by alabamarock on October 26, 2009

I rode Oak Mountain and it sure kicked my tail! About 1/4 mile into the ride I hit a tree after barely missing a few others. I slammed my helmet into the tree and then it hit my arm! After laying on the ground for a few minutes i got up and was back on the trail. Be sure to check your breaks good before you hit this trail. If you are newbie be aware this thing will test you! Blood Rock is a tough drop and should be avoided unless you are crazy. The trail changes up a good bit so stay aware. You will be able to ride hard and fast downhill for a bit, watch the loose rock though! If you get stuck at night they do have a shelter which I thought was nice! I got in the woods at about 2 and got back at 7:15, took longer than i thought to ride! I did take my time and wrecked a few times and took too many pictures!

  
reviewed by TheFlyingIguana on March 4, 2009

Frikin' awesome! What do we say children? THANK YOU B.U.M.P.!!!!!!!!!!

* Review edited 3/4/2009

  
reviewed by mudhunny on January 2, 2009

Fun, fast ride, lots of singletrack! Some rocky sections but all rideable. These trails are really well-maintained considering the amount of riders/hikers we passed on it (close to 2 dozen or so?). In fact, there was one lone trail worker that we rode by, he was hard while we were having fun!

  
reviewed by freerideunionrider1 on December 29, 2008

rode this trail after it had rained and loved it. slippery on the rocks but that's part of the fun! the descents are definitely worth the ascents just keep your fingers on your brake levers! nice flow, great trail!!!!

* Review edited 12/29/2008

  
reviewed by smitten on July 30, 2008

great trail! nice, fast singletrack with a 4 or 5 miles of fireroads thrown in. Little bit of everything as far as terrain, rock gardens, sand, loose rock, roots and dirt. Wide open singletrack.

Similar Trail: canal loop, ky

  
reviewed by nishantkc on June 29, 2008

This is a great trail, includes little bit of everythig - great single track, tough climb and some technical areas.

  
reviewed by flamdrag8 on April 4, 2008

Ultra sweet trail. A very well maintaind trail for the intermediate XC rider. Fun for miles!

Similar Trail: Tsali's mouse branch trail

  
reviewed by sandm96 on May 13, 2007

Road it yesterday CCW, it had rained the night before, but had dried off well. I Love this trail. It IS one of the best trails in the southeast!!

* Review edited 5/13/2007

Similar Trail: Bear Creek--North Georgia

  
reviewed by sandm96 on January 30, 2007

Rode it Dec. 30, 2006. Trail was in great condition. It was a total blast to ride, completed the whole 17 miles in just under 2 hours, not bad for a fat guy. I'll ride it again the next time I visit my sister in Helena, untill then, I'll be digging the North Georgia trails (bigger climbs, more rocks)

Similar Trail: Swayback Bridge---Wetumpka

  
reviewed by sandm96 on September 28, 2006

Have ridden this trail many times. I feel it's the best trail in Alabama. 17 miles, mostly singletrack. I park at the picinic area past where the BMX track used to be. From there I prefer to ride counter clockwise up the singletrack/BUMP trail to the ridge trail, down the screaming downhill to the campground side and then through the lower seven or so miles back to the car. What a blast. Can be a hot one in the summer (that goes without saying, duh, you're in Alabama). I suggest you ride it during the week, can be pretty crowded on the weekends.

Similar Trail: Swayback Bridge

  
reviewed by trailblaze1 on August 1, 2006

Officially the first time I wanted to puke from exertion, discovered that the guys in my group found that fact comical, and defined what a truly sharp rock felt like. I loved this ride and the dinner afterwards.

  
reviewed by ray on February 11, 2006

This trail is about a 2 miles from my house and I been on this trail many times. It's a great trail with lots of turns, rocks, downhills, and combinations of the 3. If you go I suggest starting at the north trail head and going counterclock wise. There are many places where you have a chance to go back to the main road. Good for if you get hurt or tired, or are if you just want to take a quick ride.

  
reviewed by K2K on November 7, 2005

1st time riding Oak Mtn and it was a blast. Went CCW up Blood Rock, of course we had to run down it. Tacoed my from wheel when I endoed before the last rock drop. Tree Truing got me around the remaining 12 miles.

  
reviewed by Autumn_ on March 22, 2005

This is a sweet trail to ride. Everytime I go I have a great time. The trail is very diverse. There is a lot of single track that will really chalenge you. Probably the most technichal part of the trail is a place called "Blood Rock". If you go in a group you're guranteed a crash almost every time. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the awesome ride that the BUMP trail can give you.

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