Level: Advanced
Length: 3 mi (4.8 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: -
Total: 10 riders
 

Mountain Biking Grayson Co. Rec Park Trail

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#103 of 300 mountain bike trails in Virginia
#3,856 in the world

When I rode the trail, it was fairly new. The entrance leads you into the beginning of the loop. The trail is clearly marked with red and green arrows. The first half is an awesome aerobic and technical workout. The entrance leads into a killer climb full of switchbacks that takes you back to the top of the ravine it's built in. From here, you can fly through some rolling singletrack. The downhills in the first section are smooth and not very steep: just enough to get some good speed. The climbs are much the same: smooth and just long enough to make you work for the next descent. The first section leads out to a cleared section behind a baseball field. I failed to make the connection between the two singletrack because there are NO signs. You will leave the cleared lot, ride behind the baseball field (you will see how the grass has matted), to the opening of the 2nd section.

The second section is just plain AWESOME. It used to be a nature/workout trail, but it looks as though it was abandoned. These guys turned it into an awesome mountain bike trail. After some simple singletrack, you begin on this wicked fast stretch of carved downhill to the creek. Watch the first of it, as there are little 6"-8" dropoffs where there used to be steps. From there, it's just killer speed. It all weaves into another section that follows the creek. Once you get near the creek, you'll see that the trail splits into new trail and old trail. The new trail is the fastest and safest. The old trail is originally the walking trail, will make for some killer technical test, and may toss you on your butt. They have built a nice crib wall at this crossroads. The next couple of places cross the creek and again, you have the choice of both trails. Once you cross the creek for the last time, it's basic singletrack, past this killer cliff(!!), and back to the entrance.

First added by searsandrewj on Jul 11, 2003. Last updated Apr 30, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From I-77, get on Hwy. 58 towards Galax. Pass thru Galax (I found out about the trail from one of the builders who works at the New River Bike Shoppe.) Just before you enter Independence, you will see the Nautilus factory's sign on the right. Turn right at the sign and go 1/2 mile to the next stop sign. Turn right and drive @ 2 miles to Grayson County Rec. Park. The first parking lot on your left will be the campground, but you can also park at the swimming pool across the street. The trailhead is just before you enter the campground on that same road.


Grayson Co. Rec Park Trail Trail map

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Trail conditions

Open (Nov 11, 2008)
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Reviews

  • jktodd
    **

    The trail has fallen into a bit of disrepair since the last review. There are multiple trees, branches, and other debris on the trail. Parts are washed out and vegetation seems to have grown in a bit more onto the trail. Markers have faded, but can still be seen with a little bit of looking. Very technical climbs and a couple of technical downhills too. Trail is tight, most times 1 foot. sometimes less.

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  • robertbuchan
    *****

    I rode this trail on 11/8/08 and it is in great shape. In fact the guys were maintaining it and have done a fantastic job overall on this trail as per the earlier reviews. I consider myself a better than average rider and this is not an easy never mind moderate trail. It is a great challenging trail that overall is what I consider is a true mountain bike trail. None of that whooping sweeping single track for speed freaks. This trail has challenging climbs, rewarding obstacles and beautiful scenery. All set in a small rural recreational park. Great work and kudo's to the builders and guys that maintain this trail as a labor of love. * Review edited 6/22/2009

    * Review edited 6/22/2009

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  • jlyndon
    ****

    Great trail! Rode the 5 mile route. Has lots of uphill challenges and several precarious bridges to go across near the end. Runs parallel to a large creek at one point which is very scenic. Trail is tight, but overall a great ride. Nobody on the trail at 4pm the day I rode.

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  • HokieRob
    *****

    This trail has been majorly worked on (I'm part of the trail building crew) and the IMBA Trail Crew came and spent the weekend on it also. The trail no longer skips across the ballfield and is now tied in completely and well marked throughout. It is not for beginners and once you get past the tough climbs at the entrance, it is fast and VERY technical. We plan to do more work on the trail this winter as we've only scratched the surface of what this thing could be. It is a definite must ride if you are in the area.

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