Newer, ambitious rider. Take the trail directly out of the car park for an immediate long, rocky, fun descent. Worm your way back up through the twists and turns and (yes) roots. Roots aren't too bad. Not much of a match for the 29" tires. Next pick a descent line. I chose black! Lots of small drops, berms, couple medium drops and overall very fun, technical riding to get your adrenaline (and in my case brakes) pumping. A real blast. This jump is located on the blue trail, and unfortunately where our ride ended. Much to learn!
Review: Rode here today on a recommendation of a local bike shop. I actually bought a new, 2017 Scott Spark 750 at Singletracks bike shop in Raymond, Me. The owner told me about this trail system so I decided to break my new bike in on a new trail. I found the trails challenging and fun with some great downhills that twisted and had high banks. There is something for everyone here, no one will be disappointed. These trails suited the type of riding I like to do and I had a great time. The Raven trail (blue) was a crazy flowy downhill with berms, drops and some jumps. The trail work on this system was very good and quite a bit of it. Shout out to everyone involved in building & maintaining these trails. I will be back a couple of times this week to explore and enjoy all the trails here.
The biking community has done a lot on this trail system, and it really shows. Blackstrap is not for beginners, and is not a great place to learn to mountain bike, but for an experienced rider, it is great. I just recently discovered the trail raven, which holds man made berms, small drops, and some reasonable jumps. As of right now, the berms are very well maintained, as are the jumps, and I can only expect it to improve. For the very advanced rider, if you make your way to the top of the biggest hill on the powerlines, if you go to the left of the main trail into the woods, there is a pretty large drop (it is fun, but the landing needs work), and continuing along this trail, you will find some advanced technical features that are super fun to ride. There is a lot of climbing involved, but the climbing is worth it if you choose the right trail. You also can get some great scenery.
I'm still a beginner and went to this trail on the recommendation of some friends. I have to say that you need to love long technical climbs through rocks and roots after splashing through muddy standing water to want to be here...its a bit of a challenge. For me it was tough. The downhill runs were fun but I felt like I was spending all my time climbing with a wet rear tire. I'll go back but not until I'm in a little better shape I think. ;)
Good trails. Well marked trails with maps showing "you are here" markers at many of the intersections. Plenty of short, steep, rocky/rooty climbs to keep things interesting. The blue trail along the river has some faster, flowy sections. I rode most of the trails. Doesn't take long to cover most of the trails. I would recommend starting from the lot on Hurricane Rd. Take blue trail along the river. Go up green to the scenic overlook. Find the yellow trail to go down. The section that crosses the power lines has some great, technical spots. I made a left onto the trail blue trail and rode out to the parking lot on Blackstrap Rd. Some ladder bridges, stream crossings and fun terrain in there too. Then backtracked it to the blue trail leading to the Hurricane Rd lot.
Providing an updated review...gnarly stuff. IMO this network is the most technical & demanding trails in greater Portland....lots of vertical that demands your attention whether you are going up or down. Some man made features that you can huck if you dare. Great network to link with other trail systems for some epic rides (I.e. Hadlock, N Falmouth woods, Lowell)
Wow...Blackstrap is legit. Tons of trail work has gone on here in the past year and it really shows.
For a great ride - park at the hurricane road kiosk. Follow the blue trail to the green all the way to the overlook. Take in the scenic view while letting your heart recover. Follow the green trail to the red/green for some sweet downhill. The red trail will take you to either the yellow or white. I continued to the white trail. Twisty, turny, some stream crossings. Follow the white trail back to the red trail, then green to the overlook once more. From there, take the green down. So many great trail features including a sweet rock berm.
There is a lot to explore. You will need to invest some time in it as it is all over the place. The entire network is pretty expansive if you include the trails off Hadlock Road.
Definitely worth the time and a great alternative to Bradbury.
Probably the most fun of what's around. These trails have nice climbs, fast drops, and folks have made some really fun features and hits on these trails. Can be fun for all but particularly for those with full suspension and some guts!
Good Network of Trails. Classic NE Trails with lots of Rocks, Roots, and mud/slick spots making for technical singletrack....Not your "fast & flowing" type of riding except for maybe Blue trail along the river. Decent amount of Elevation allowing for some challenging climbs/descents. Trails are well marked with "you are here" trails maps throughout. Fun network that can be linked with other trails in the area (Cross Falmouth Trail, Hadlock Trails, & more).
The "Flow Trail" was super fun. Tons of berms, jumps, and small bumps for pumping and getting up a ton of speed. Loved it!
| ThankBlack straps good but not marshy or advanced.
| ThankNewer, ambitious rider. Take the trail directly out of the car park for an immediate long, rocky, fun descent. Worm your way back up through the twists and turns and (yes) roots. Roots aren't too bad. Not much of a match for the 29" tires. Next pick a descent line. I chose black! Lots of small drops, berms, couple medium drops and overall very fun, technical riding to get your adrenaline (and in my case brakes) pumping. A real blast. This jump is located on the blue trail, and unfortunately where our ride ended. Much to learn!
| ThankReview: Rode here today on a recommendation of a local bike shop. I actually bought a new, 2017 Scott Spark 750 at Singletracks bike shop in Raymond, Me. The owner told me about this trail system so I decided to break my new bike in on a new trail. I found the trails challenging and fun with some great downhills that twisted and had high banks. There is something for everyone here, no one will be disappointed. These trails suited the type of riding I like to do and I had a great time. The Raven trail (blue) was a crazy flowy downhill with berms, drops and some jumps. The trail work on this system was very good and quite a bit of it. Shout out to everyone involved in building & maintaining these trails. I will be back a couple of times this week to explore and enjoy all the trails here.
| ThankThe biking community has done a lot on this trail system, and it really shows. Blackstrap is not for beginners, and is not a great place to learn to mountain bike, but for an experienced rider, it is great. I just recently discovered the trail raven, which holds man made berms, small drops, and some reasonable jumps. As of right now, the berms are very well maintained, as are the jumps, and I can only expect it to improve. For the very advanced rider, if you make your way to the top of the biggest hill on the powerlines, if you go to the left of the main trail into the woods, there is a pretty large drop (it is fun, but the landing needs work), and continuing along this trail, you will find some advanced technical features that are super fun to ride. There is a lot of climbing involved, but the climbing is worth it if you choose the right trail. You also can get some great scenery.
| ThankI'm still a beginner and went to this trail on the recommendation of some friends. I have to say that you need to love long technical climbs through rocks and roots after splashing through muddy standing water to want to be here...its a bit of a challenge. For me it was tough. The downhill runs were fun but I felt like I was spending all my time climbing with a wet rear tire. I'll go back but not until I'm in a little better shape I think. ;)
| ThankGood trails. Well marked trails with maps showing "you are here" markers at many of the intersections. Plenty of short, steep, rocky/rooty climbs to keep things interesting. The blue trail along the river has some faster, flowy sections. I rode most of the trails. Doesn't take long to cover most of the trails. I would recommend starting from the lot on Hurricane Rd. Take blue trail along the river. Go up green to the scenic overlook. Find the yellow trail to go down. The section that crosses the power lines has some great, technical spots. I made a left onto the trail blue trail and rode out to the parking lot on Blackstrap Rd. Some ladder bridges, stream crossings and fun terrain in there too. Then backtracked it to the blue trail leading to the Hurricane Rd lot.
| ThankProviding an updated review...gnarly stuff. IMO this network is the most technical & demanding trails in greater Portland....lots of vertical that demands your attention whether you are going up or down. Some man made features that you can huck if you dare. Great network to link with other trail systems for some epic rides (I.e. Hadlock, N Falmouth woods, Lowell)
| Thankdecent trail network, found some rocky, root filled sections. took a few diggers. had a blast overall.
| ThankWow...Blackstrap is legit. Tons of trail work has gone on here in the past year and it really shows.
For a great ride - park at the hurricane road kiosk. Follow the blue trail to the green all the way to the overlook. Take in the scenic view while letting your heart recover. Follow the green trail to the red/green for some sweet downhill. The red trail will take you to either the yellow or white. I continued to the white trail. Twisty, turny, some stream crossings. Follow the white trail back to the red trail, then green to the overlook once more. From there, take the green down. So many great trail features including a sweet rock berm.
There is a lot to explore. You will need to invest some time in it as it is all over the place. The entire network is pretty expansive if you include the trails off Hadlock Road.
Definitely worth the time and a great alternative to Bradbury.
| ThankProbably the most fun of what's around. These trails have nice climbs, fast drops, and folks have made some really fun features and hits on these trails. Can be fun for all but particularly for those with full suspension and some guts!
| ThankGood Network of Trails. Classic NE Trails with lots of Rocks, Roots, and mud/slick spots making for technical singletrack....Not your "fast & flowing" type of riding except for maybe Blue trail along the river. Decent amount of Elevation allowing for some challenging climbs/descents. Trails are well marked with "you are here" trails maps throughout. Fun network that can be linked with other trails in the area (Cross Falmouth Trail, Hadlock Trails, & more).
| ThankHarrison great singletrack runs as well as some killer down hills and steep assents bring your balls baby!!!
| Thank