From the start, you go through a tight single track until you reach the
steeper Hike-a-Bike sections. After hiking up to the retaining wall visible in
the distance. The trail levels out. Move to the west, immediately entering
one of the 6 130 year old Railroad tunnels. I recommend a flash light for
Tunnel 1 & 2 for they are long enough for black out conditions. For the most
part, you will encounter flat conditions with slight turns and obstructions.
The trail obviously ends . You can either turn around and come back the
way you came, or make your way down the steep slope and onto Hwy. 24
itself and return to Manitou.
Once you pass the Hike-a-bike section to your right (west) is Tunnel 2.
Tunnel 1 to your left (south) is long and curved. The other side comes out in
some man's property. So if you choose to ride through Tunnel 1 and into
the neighborhood, be cautious of tresspassing.
The hike, while short, is steep, loose, and sometimes downright heinous. Once up on the old railroad grade, the trail alternates between totally smooth and bottomless, unridable gravel. Two tunnels definitely require lights as they are both long and curved, meaning they are pitch black for some distance. There are plenty of hobo cams along the way as well as some satanic graffiti. I wouldn't recommend riding this one alone. As a singletrack experience, this is only good for one star--as a something different, it gets three so I averaged it out to two.
| ThankGreat trail to hike, but not very practical to ride on. There are a lot of very large rocks and washed out spots that arent real condusive to riding!
| ThankThe trail itself is simple. However, the .5mile or some from the trail head to the actual trail is tougher. Some loose gravel. Tunnels are a awesome experience!
| Thank