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.
The difficulty factor of this trail had nothing to do with terrain and everything to do with elevations. The first 3.5 miles is just a grueling climb to the top. My legs were cooked by the time I got to the top. I took multiple stops for breaks and walked the bike on a few sections. I finally made it to the lookout tower and enjoyed the view from the top. The ride down was exhilarating and scary. The terrain is loose rocks and is kind of tricky when bombing down at almost 30 miles an hour. A few boulders it the frame of the bike, some hit the rim (to the point I though it was cracked), and one came up and hit my shoe and I though I broke my toe. This is a one time trail and I don't think I will ever do this again even if I stay at the park again.
| ThankThis is a challenging and beautiful ride. You start with a 3 mile 9% grade climb from the parking lot, it's steep. The scenery along the trail is gorgeous and since you are going so slow you get to take it all in. The last climb to the fire tower is another 12 mile grunt of a climb . Views are good but not great, it is worth he trip.
Looking for a challenge? Come climb this trail. Please us caution on the way down and respect the hikers.
Happy trails!
| ThankI rode up to the fire tower in Oct 2015. Don't kid yourself, this is a 7 mile uphill ride and very sustained. Scenery is beautiful and view from top is pretty grand.
Check those brakes as they will get a workout on the way back down. You access the trailhead at the back of the campground.
Have fun, be safe.
| Thank