Belmont Plateau

I would say this is a diamond in the rough when compared to other local parks

Many downed logs as others have mentioned on top of hill trails. Lots of glass smashed. Saw one dog skeleton (not kidding). Drone of west philly's finest street dirt bikers in the background. That being said, the topography here makes for some challenging stuff thats worth it considering its proximity to down town.

Just finished riding this trail, I've ridden wissahickon many times but this trail may not have the hills that wiss has but it's one hell of a single track with just about any and everything you can imagine being thrown at you.

Log crossings, bridges, twistes, rocks etc, I had a blast for my 1st time riding this trail...

If your aren't fit enough to at least run a mile, then stay away from this trail until you tighten up...

!st let me say this was the hardest trail I've ridden but I'm totally a beginner! it twists and turns like others say. Like the reviews there are tons of intentional logovers. If you are competent and in shape you'll be fine!
If your a novice and in crap shape like me...you'll be jacked.

I had the pleasure of riding with the belmont plateau trails alliance group and they had a marked course complete with cones and arrows. I learned today that there are levels to this sport and that I have a lot of practice ahead.

The trails are well maintained and very tight. If I didn't observe these amazing riders going through the course like it was nothing than I'd complain too. Don't blame the course if your skills can't hack it. If you play basketball against pro players and can't score or compete it isn't the ball or the baskets fault you suck!

Let me start by saying that I totally get why some people hate Belmont and give it a low rating. It's technical and until you learn the trails, it's hard to get into a good flow due to the logs and tight, twisty singletrack. It took me a while to appreciate it, but now i've come to love it and view it a great complement to the Wiss (in my opinion the fact that both of these trail systems exist within the city just minutes from downtown puts Philly at or near the top of urban mountain biking in the US). This is definitely not a spot to ride as a beginner. As previously stated in reviews, there is a huge amount of log overs ranging from a couple of inches to a couple of feet (very few of which are cut or ramped). Most of the trails are tight, twisty and overgrown (during the summer). There is no major elevation changes, however there are many quick punchy ups and downs which can be challenging. A recent addition is a trail connecting the system to the Philly Pumptrack (which is awesome unto itself). This is an extremely flowy, log free section of trail that includes jumps, kickers, berms and a hip...if you're riding Belmont you definitely want to hit this section up (search pumptrack connector on strava). The layout of Belmont is really confusing, however it is difficult to get lost and most trails will lead to a major road or fire road.

Belmont does not have a ton of elevation or a ton of miles... but that's not the point here! As the other reviews noted, it's super tight singletrack with lots of technical challenges. Mostly log overs but some other fun to challenge yourself with as well. There's at least 15 miles of trail here and they're all great fun. You will be tired after riding Belmont... full body workout! Tough to find all the trails unless you ride with someone who knows a good loop but if you go back there and get lost you'll find lots of good stuff.

Philadelphia's secret trail treasure! Belmont is relatively unique among public trail systems, with relatively few concessions to novice riders. Unlike most trails these days which are built in accordance to IMBA Trails Solutions guidelines, i.e. 3' wide, nothing dangerous or too challenging, bermed turns and corduroy helpers over logs and/or go-arounds, Belmont maintains an old school approach. The trails are narrow, tight and twisty, with ample logs and treacherously tricky obstacles to navigate. There are no go-arounds and the obstacles require commitment: don't half-ass it, as falling could mean landing in broken glass, rocks, thorns or poison ivy. The highlight of the Belmont Plateau is a weekly underground race series that's been held for 26 years, with a different course marked each week. Watch out for the trail wizard, who doesn't tolerate "skidiots" riding in the mud or modifying trail features!

Great place to ride! Fits the description: twisty, narrow, single track, covering a relatively small flat area. Some sections are a bit overgrown. Would rate this place 4 stars if it wasn't for the ridiculous amount of monster size log crossings. Unsure if they were deliberately left there for the amusent of expert riders. Ought to bring a chainsaw one dark night... Overall a great place to ride and easily accessed from Center City.

This doesn't seem like a trail. There are logs everywhere - most are impossible to get over due to the tight quarters making it a slow ride. The brush will be in your face most of the trip as well making it no fun. If you want to simply practice your skills, this can be a good spot. Don't plan to have much fun though.

Lots of downed trees had to turn around once their was to many trees. Tons of logs that made it frustrating. A lot of overgrowth but we did enjoy our self towards the end of the ride we ended up by the baseball fields which I wish we started at It would've made for a better ride. I would ride again but I'd bring a chainsaw to take out my aggression and clean up the trail.

The description above is spot on! The singletrack trails at Belmont Plateau are awesome to have so close to center city. Not many rocks, but plenty of logs and roots throughout. Fairly smooth trails that wind through the woods, maximizing the limited acreage. To get the most out of the trails I'd recommend going with someone who knows them - if you are exploring on your own there are sections you will probably never see. There aren't a lot of long climbs or descents but in general Belmont and Wissahickon compliment each other well because they are so different. Belmont is especially great for weeknight rides. From downtown the quickest entrance is probably going up Montgomery Drive from West River Drive. Take your first right after crossing under 76 and follow the road that becomes gravel after the yellow gate. * Review edited 3/5/2012

Had another great ride today to start the New Year and even brought my dog. Found another whole section of trail and we both had a blast. Nice that there's next to nobody on the trails, yet they're in great shape!

Super fun trail system. Rode it twice yesterday and had a blast. As per the description, tight singletrack, logovers, log skinny's, quick ups & downs, stream crossings. Just a flat out fun option if you're looking for a change of pace from lung-busting Wissahickon.