Beech Fork State Park

Fun trails with nice rock armoring on many of the gullies - could use even more. Did lost trail to Mary Davis and got lost. Seems like there are some new trails that allow for longer rides, but no signs. Give yourself some extra time. Agree with Adam A. on trail difficulty - roots are fine when dry, rocks fairly small, climbs are short and punchy. Super fun gulley crossings - good rush there. Nice tree jumps too. Thanks to whoever is doing the trail maintenance - it was completely clear and clean. They might want to eliminate or reroute some of the fall-line trail sections that are in the beginning stages of becoming drainage ditches.

I disagree with the reviews that say this place is "hard" or "advanced." As the pictures show, these trails are super mellow with very few rocks and roots. The only place smoother in WV is Arrowhead Trails in Fayetteville. As for steep hills, you may use your granny gear a few times, but it's over with quick. This is a super fun place to ride! The locals are now starting to form more advanced, enduro style lines along the trails, but you have to look for them. It gets really hot in the summer and really wet in the winter. The best times to ride are late Spring and Early Fall. There aren't any good maps. So, if you're looking for advice or a guide feel free to email me [email protected]

If you start out on these trails and you think they are hard, there is plenty of flat paved places to ride around the lake and the campground.
Cheers!

I rode 'Lost Trail' on my way down to Charlotte, NC for Cyclofest. It was great for a quick ride break, though getting off the highway and to the park took a considerable amount of time. There are some significant climbs that my car stiff legs struggled on, but I still was able to make it. Also, while the trail had good blazes to keep me on track for most of the ride, I did have to loop back on one section when the signs disappeared.

Really fun trail to ride. It has it all. My favorite is to ride the Mary Davis trail counter clockwise. Lots of ups and downs, roots, rocks, some serious climbs, but it's all worth it because you are rewarded on the backside with a fun downhill that has a few technical parts, as well as some cut backs. Great trail that you can spend all day on.

I grew up within 10 miles of this park. I've been riding this loop and others in the area since I was on a cheap huffy at 12yo; and I love it just as much now. The lake pushed out many old WV frontier homesteads, and a good deal of evidence of this is visible if you keep your head on a swivel.

I prefer to ride counter clockwise. You enjoy the rocky, lake side, technical riding first, then enjoy a good long climb to the ridge (decide if you're done at the top lol) turn left and enjoy almost exclusive smooth DH grades back to the trail head, or split off halfway for another trip around the loop.

This trail can be wet, is rooty, and has some significant (I wouldn't say advanced and I ride a 26" HT) rock gardens. But, that is Appalachian mountain biking, don't come to Appalachia looking for smooth polished trails, it's just not what we do. This trip is absolutely worth it if you're even remotely in the area.

Rode trail the morning of 11 July 2015 with my daughter on our way to bungee jump off Youngs High Bridge in Kentucky, time 0630. We are probably a little better than beginner looking for more challenge. It had rained heavy and fairly long that night so we expected the wet trail but did not give it enough credit for the advanced challenge. As stated, the trail was well maintained and marked and definitely had high protruding roots as the primary obstacle. Only one stop with a tree across the trail but folks are beating a path around it. The trail does not maintain cell phone connectivity for its entirety nor does the parks free WiFi. Underlying surface when not root or rock is red clay which was very slippery making tires spin out on steeper upgrades. Bigger problem is where single track sloped to the side down hill making bike slip out from under you after coming down off a root. I enjoyed despite eating mud three times. Puddles hid several significant roots which led to my main wipe out. Park has a bath house for campers but is unlocked with hot water for showering off the mud, changing clothes and putting on neosporin. Definitely would be more fun in dry conditions. I would like to go back when I can choose a dry day.

Use to ride these in 1997

there are some climbs here that can be very tough but its dependant on what direction you ride. take the lost to mary davis trail for some of the best technical flow you'll find anywhere. the loop will get all of your climbing done a little past mid point then its back to good flow.this is my favorite trail and ive ridden all over wv and other states.lots of roots and rocks but nothing thats unrideable. if youve never been its best to ask the park workers where the trail head is. once you get to know the trails 10-15 miles rides are possible. the trail turns 180 degrees at the gate at the top of the mary davis climb, alot of riders get "lost" there so be aware and youll be fine.

VERY steep climbs and descents, pretty technical, and TONS of roots and rocks. I do not recommend riding this unless you are a solid intermediate or advanced rider. This trail was poorly marked and had me lost even with the trail map I got on my way in. I met a local at the head of the trail who offered to take me back and help me find the trail head; I probably wouldn't have known which way to go into the woods otherwise. I only biked the "lost trail". You will follow this trail to the right at each split all the way around until at one point you can go right back into the woods or left to bike back along the lake. Follow it left along the lake; if you go right you will end up repeating the loop. TO FIND THE TRAILHEAD: After entering park follow road to "moxley branch camping area". Turn left into campground and go over the bridge. Take immediate right. On your left hand side you will see a brown bathroom area that is a good place to park. The trail is straight behind the brown bathroom area, past a picnic bench, and across a wooden bridge. At that point, get your legs ready to climb!

great trail can anybody say "ROOTS"

I definitely recommend this for singlespeed riding. Take the lost trail up to mary davis, munch on some trail bars at the old mary davis house site, and keep riding until you circle back around. Can never go wrong with this ride.

Trailhead Directions: Per the directions above, after crossing the bridge into the "Moxley Branch Camping Area" take your 1st right and then Left and the trailhead is located behind campsite 35 (See trail photos). Here is a map of the park for further detail:
http://www.beechforksp.com/beechfork.pdf

If you're not paying for a campsite, you will need to park in a designated parking area(back across the bridge). The "Mary Davis" trail links off of the "Lost Trail".

Great lake views, rooty, some bridges, give the trail >24hrs to dry after rain, spotted deer on the first 100yds of trail.

Beech Fork would be an excellent location to camp and ride, when reserving, ask for the Moxley Branch Camp Area sites #33, #34, or #35.

Review from SpokeJunkies.com
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