The course itself is interesting. It is laid out in four sections, each connected by common gravel backroads. The course has a set direction, marked at its entry ways. A lot of sand in some spots, evil, evil sand. Several good jumps and one awsome downhill. The twistie's are quick fun, but do require some technical ability. One awsome twistie incorporates a section of tree nubbies that is just sick. Like any trail scout this one before you ride it hard, downed trees, particularly on the downhill section, are always a possibility.
The sand makes for quite the workout. The course is through some thick vegitation and can be very buggy. The way it is evenly broken up at intersection points allows for good measurment and flexibility in your ride.
The course is intended for Aquestrian, Cross Country and Mountain Biking alike, but when hunting is in season it is clearly posted for their use. That said I don't recall ever seeing runners out there, and horses are mainly on the backroads that connect the trails. The one REALLY BIG NO-NO IS TO RIDE, DAY OR NIGHT, DURING DEER HUNTING SEASON!!!
I just rode this trail with an inexperienced but athletic rider and it was perfect for that! There was enough of a technical and aerobic challenge to be a satisfying accomplishment but not so much that my riding buddy was overwhelmed. Overall it is mostly flowy and carrying speed is pretty easy. The short downhill sections with the small sequential drops were a blast, even on hardtails. We went the day after some light rain saw mud only in a couple spots and the soil was not overly loose except in a few spots. We did the full 4-part loop and my GPS reported that was 7.3 miles (not 16). The road crossings nicely break up the trail and give you a sense of how far you've gone, but it's helpful to either have a GPS, or map, or memorize beforehand which direction you need to go on each to pick up the singletrack again.
| ThankNatural XC
| ThankNice trail
| ThankFun trail, not as maintained as others but still great riding. Very sandy in spots.
| ThankVery nice trail, good mix of up and downhill. It's about 8 miles long.
| ThankI am glad I ran into some riders just coming off the trail as this trail is not very well marked at all. There are 3 road crossings where the trail, more or less stops and resumes a ways down the road. I am glad they told me about this as they are not marked very well. Just so any other novice to this trail knows on the first road crossing you go left. On the second you go right and the last one you go left again. The whole loop is almost 8 miles so not sure where the 16 miles comes from on the rating for this site.
| ThankSolid trail.
| ThankGreat ride! 4 loops. 3rd and 4th loop had some sand and gravel but nothing my 6-fatty couldn't handle. Fun ride!
| ThankGreat old-school cross-country trail. A great one to pair with Cannonsburg Ski Area (there are connectors for this, except you need to take a jog on 5-mile and honey creek). Fun!
| ThankVery boring trail. Felt like I was pedaling uphill or on flat ground the entire time. There is one cool downhill section in the entire 8 miles. Expect to see lots of sand at the end of every descent. The trail needs some maintenance in some spots from being ridden while the trail was wet. Overall it was pretty meh.
| ThankHad an excellent ride...loved this trail and we will definitely be back -nuff said.
| ThankThis is actually the same as the listing for Cannonsburg State Game Area. This place is chock full of very enjoyable single track that is pretty typical of the area. Very well built and maintained trails with lots of flow, somewhat rooty, a little sandy, but light on rocks. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous! There is a nice stream that runs through the property and although you are just a stones throw from Grand Rapids, it feels really remote and peaceful! We didn't have a map, but I'm pretty sure we hit everything and we did what ended up being about an 8 mile loop, so not a ton of trail, but absolutely worth riding! Beware during hunting seasons.
| ThankGood flow. Very fun trail. You can trust your speed as there are not tight switchbacks at the end of descents.
| ThankYes- you will be cursing the sand in several areas. But overall the back half of this trail was major fun factor for me. If you ride it aggressively this is an intermediate to advanced trail. Beginners could take the downhills slow and it wouldn't be a difficult trail.
So much sand. This is probably a better trail after a good bit of rainy weather. It hasn't been especially dry but there have been a few warm days without rain and there was sand everywhere. I'm a pretty slow rider but this was a very slow trail for me. The skills park has some pretty gnarly features.
| ThankMy home trail & I love it more than any other. Combo with the ski hill rocks.
| ThankVery fun and relaxed trail. I dont know how to describe it best, it was a good ride with good views. The trail seemed to be a good for any fitness level and could help build fitness with multiple laps and more saddle time than other trails.
| Thank...hello, but I think Singletracks is confused.
| ThankI think that this describes the Egypt Valley (State Game Area)...length about 8 miles.
There's Egypt Valley (Cannonsburg State Game Area), and the Cannonsburg Ski Area, (see separate reviews on this website) Both nice rides, I think the Ski area is best however.* Review edited 9/2/2012* Review edited 9/2/2012* Review edited 9/2/2012* Review edited 9/2/2012
good trail and lots of winding corners. It isn't tight so you can ride quick, one really good downhill and followed by a tough uphill. Lots of sand to deal with.
| ThankFun ride. Nothing crazy, just fun.
| ThankGreat trail. Well marked, good flow so you can keep your speed up.
| Thank