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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 7 mi (11.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +229/ -191 ft
Total: 16 riders
Mountain Biking Big Tree Trails
#16 of 51 mountain bike trails in Louisiana
This trail is made up of mostly very wide singletrack (some would define as doubletrack), with some singletrack throughout. There are some bridges, with a very large, safe bridge, with rails, that goes over the marsh area in the beginning of the trail. some decent hill climbs with descents. Not sure on the excact distance, but within the first mile to mile and a half, there is the point where you can turn left to do the 3 mile loop, or keep to the right and do the complete 7 mile loop. This point is located at the top of a fairly decent climb, and has a picnic table with a sign nailed to a tree that points to the long loop. There are various signs marking items of interest along the way, and decent tree markings for directions and hiking symbols that mark the trail. Pay attention to these markings as you cross the normal vehicle roads. Sometimes the trail doesn't just go straight across these roads, but the markings are good for identifying these areas.
First added by MACNIO on Jan 6, 2015. Last updated May 6, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Trail is located on base so you will need base access to access this trail. Go down Range Rd and be sure to stop at the PX/BX convenience store to get the code for the gate by the lake. Store is at the corner of Range and Perimeter rd. The Gate is on Eastgate rd.
After passing the locked gate on the Lake road drive past the Southeast corner of the lake and on the left you will see an open area with gas wells in the middle up on a small hill. This is a good place to park. Jump on our bike and head back down the road you just drove on and you will see the trail head about half way back to the lake (maybe 200 Mtrs from where you parked). You will see a sign nailed to a tree that says "Trail" (South side). You will also see this in the same spot on the other side of the street (North side). You can go either direction, but the general direction is to start out on the south side.
I've ridden this trail only a few times over the past 5 years, a little here and a little there. Lately, I've really taken to the whole thing and falling in love with it. I've ridden many, many places around the globe and this trail is great. The flow is well routed, and except for the low areas that can get nasty after much rain, it has everything. Climbs, a few sketchy descents, bridges, roots, rocks, and even gravel roads. It has the right amount of forest road access and straight sections of speed built in the trail. Really feels like isolated backcountry. It's like your typical southern pine forest, however half seem to be oaks. Out of the rich foliage, wildflowers erupt providing great scenery and on some sections leave you forgetting that you're actually in Louisiana. The trail is well marked, and I mean well marked. Even if grass gets a little tall, it's easy to tell where to go. The are additions coming along to add to the trail. It's a shame that Chris doesn't get more help. For those who are able and have base access, it's a real shame if you don't check this place out and help with it. Just lot's of scenery and many places to access the trail and bail off. Truly a treasure to have on a base. Where else can you be secluded out in the wilderness with a B-52 flying low-level over?
| ThankGreat trail, no critters this round...wet in low areas but awesome ride!
| ThankFirst getting to trail: the trail is on Barksdale AFB. If not part of the Armed Services you will need to go thru industrial gate. Go news no violent or sex offenders allowed but plenty of snakes. Military can sponsor a guest. Once on Base head to the east side there after some drive you will find a shoppette, ask them how to get to trail and get past gate. If you belong they will tell you. The posted location is not the trail head look for a sign (I will add pictures). Hints continue up hill on road and take a left or right where you see a trail cross the is a blue hiking tag on the right. Head left on log road and you will find a pinic table and board describing the trail. If you are still confused go back to the coordinates on this Web page look beyond the oil rig and you should see a brown sign that says "trail". If still lose head back toward gate and you will see a sign that says "trail" along the road.
I Road this in high heat summer carry bug spray with deat, there are hundreds of big horse flies. Also lots of snakes, so watch where you step.
As you head deeper trail maintenance is questionable (old and slightly overgrown).
| Thank