The East Branch Community Trails comprise the newest mountain bike trail system in the Adirondacks. This is the first trail project where BETA was "able to approach it and master plan it from ground zero," according to Glenn Glover, Executive Director of BETA.
"We very quickly saw the potential not just to put in a pumptrack or skills park, but we saw the land potential to build a significant trail network there," said Carey.
The 121-acre parcel that the trails are being built on may be small, but it is a long, vertical parcel that climbs up a steep mountainside — ideal for trail construction. As of press time, 3.5 miles of singletrack have been completed at East Branch, and construction is underway on phase two. Once complete, the trail system will contain eight miles of singletrack.
Local trail builder Luke Peduzzi was hired to design the master plan and build the trails at East Branch, and the caliber of the trail building is immediately evident. The East Branch trails have a truly modern, professional flow trail feel, with perfectly sculpted singletrack, mellow climbing corners and switchbacks, and massive berms on the high-speed descent.
The current batch of trails available at East Branch are some of the easiest trails in the Adirondacks, with almost no rocks or roots in sight and predictable flow trail lines. However, intermediate and advanced trails are currently under construction in phase two. These more difficult trails will be located higher up the mountainside, meaning that East Branch will have a true stacked-loop trail system design.
East Branch is currently a pretty short ride, but it is lappable for those who just want to rip Downriver over and over again. "Regardless of your skill level, the whole thing is just so much fun," said Glover. "You just lap it a couple times, and you've got a big smile on your face."
Loading reviews...View more