This trail has very limited technical portions. The real challenge to the trail is that the first 3 or so miles are uphill. The only breaks from climbing are small bridges that cross over creeks cut in the side of the mountain. These are typically about 15 to 20 feet wide. The grade isn't too bad, but it can really be taxing. About 3/4 of the way up, there are some large, loose rocks which come an a perfectly opportune time to force you off the bike. Once you get to the top of the climb, you run along a ridge with some nice roll to it. About two more miles out is the climb to the fire tower. It's a fairly steep, long climb. When you get to the top though, it's well worth it. You can actually climb up in the fire tower and get some great views. Directly down the backside of the mountain is Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. Far in the distance to the east are some giant windmills which are cool to see. When you come down, there are two options for returning to the bottom. If you go the way you came, prepare for a high speed, bumpy ride to the bottom (it's the kind of ride that leaves your kidneys hurting from all of the jarring). The other option is, once you leave the fire tower, at the bottom of the hill, there is a trail that goes off to the left. If you take this trail, it becomes very narrow singletrack with a lot of technical cutbacks and places where the trail essentially drops out for a couple of feet or so. The trail is primarily for hiking, so there are a good number of areas with large roots, etc. This trail will put you out at Panther Branch and you can follow the trail back down to the road. Once on the road, follow it about a half mile to the three way stop and take a right back up to the campground.
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