June 21, 2013
Review: A few things to note:
1. There is a park fee you have to pay if you use the state park parking lot. You can park your car on the side of the road at certain points and drop into the trail. See previous posts about that.
2. The back section is used by hunters during the fall. They have signs posted but it still makes me a bit nervous to be crashing through the woods with hunters around.
3. It's barely used in the late fall/winter/early spring. So you'll find yourself enjoying clear rides without any crowding. And the scenery is lovely!
4. Do the loop counterclockwise or you'll have a helluva climb to get to the top.
5. It's got a lot of shale rocks in parts which can be really slippery during or after rain.
My husband isn't a huge fan of this one. He's an advanced rider with a great dual suspension but the tons of roots and rock gardens make for a bumpy ride in a lot of sections without much payoff. I like it for an early morning ride to break the norm but I wouldn't say it's a destination ride. Great for locals and there are some easy sections for new riders. Plus, the lake is fun to cool off in the summer after the ride and the picnic tables are good for a bbq when you're done.
Similar Trail: Gambrill, Colvin's Run