Burke Lake

For the first time on mountain bike in a long time, this was a great place to go. It's mostly wide gravel, but there are some fun trails that shoot off the side that are singletrack. I dont know if they're part of the official Burke Lake trail, but they definitely connect. I dont see them on any map. Also, great scenery as most of the main trail is next to the lake.

A pleasant, easy trail around one of the biggest lakes in the area. Can get busy with pedestrians, joggers, families, and pets. Off hours it's an easy ride.
There can be muddy patches/small pools of water, especially during the Covid-19 period with limited trail maintenance.

Scenic loop around Burke Lake. Trail is wide, gravel. no big elevation changes. Good for beginners and families with children!

this is not a MTB trail.
That said, it's a really fun, wide, somewhat loose gravel, multi-use trail that you can blast around. Obvs, you'll want to go at non-peak use times since there are a ton of walkers/hikers/etc. and there are a lot of signs posted "cyclists: control your speed" but I'm assuming they're for little kids who run into people. if you're in the area, looking for some fast cardio, or are looking to ride with someone who isn't ready for real singletrack, this is a great pre-beginner trail. it's not singletrack, there are no obstacles or technical sections (unless you count the other trail users) to speak of. still, it's a fun ride and a cool park with loads of other activities to do. There is a "fitness circuit" that is designed for runners, where you run from station to station and you have an exercise you perform at each one (pull-ups, balance beam, gymnastics rings, jump boxes, etc,) that I imagine you could turn your bike ride into some HIIT.

nice beginner trail with only 1 major hill and park. You could go have ice cream at the ice cream parlor on a hot day or do other activities like Frisbee golf. A portion between the dam and the marina is paved.

LOTS of people here walking their dogs, trail running, and biking. Go on off hours, off days for fastest riding. Lots of access points around the lake. Flat, level and not technical at all.

This isn't a mountain bike trail but it is good for going on a ride with the family or girlfriend, etc. I rode the loop on a Monday afternoon and the place was packed with people walking and jogging. I can't imagine how packed it would be on the weekend.

No obstacles, climbs, or challenges in general to speak of. It'd be a good cruise if it wasn't for all the people.

I gave it a 2 because there is nice lake scenery.

The loop around the lake is 4.5 miles of wide-enough-to-drive-a-semi, flat-as-your-kitchen-table, less-obstacles-than-a-handicapped ramp bliss that you will share with thundering hordes of hikers, runners, dog-walkers, and mommies pushing strollers. I wouldn't even take a noob here for his very first off-road ride; he'd respond by becoming a roadie! There's absolutely nothing here that points to the joys of mountain biking, even for the timid.