This location has different trails that will have something for everyone. Huntsville has the most elevation in the region (read that as they have hills). It is also one of 2 trails, regionally, that are good to ride (usually) the day after it rains. The trails are more sand based, rather than silt based, which is the reason for the fast drying after rain. This can also cause the trail to be "sandy" after a prolonged dry spell. Huntsville is the home of a fall TMBRA race. There are four main trails inside the State Park itself and there is an additional trail attached to, and accessed from, the State Park that is located in the neighboring Sam Houston National Forrest. The four to five main trails inside Huntsville State Park are the Dogwood, Coloneh, Chinquapin, the CCC and the CCC Cutoff. The Dogwood, CCC Cutoff and Coloneh trails are more connector trails. The Coloneh is more beginner friendly. The CCC Cutoff connects the CCC and Chinquapin trails with a FAST, fun decent from the CCC to the Chinquapin, or a long grinding climb from the Chinquapin to the CCC. The Dogwood has some fun drops and climbs. The CCC was built by the CCC in the '30's and is largely jeep trails. The CCC has some long steep climbs, though, and can give a real work out. The steep climbs do translate to fast, steep descents. This is not the trail for a new rider. Experienced riders will enjoy Hamburger Hill on the west side of the park. Hamburger Hill can be reached using the CCC cutoff. This trail has sections that are gravel based. The Chinquapin is the trail most used and is the most all around user friendly. It can be ridden clockwise, or counter clockwise. Clockwise, tends to be long climbs with steeper descents, while counter clockwise has has steep climbs with long descents. There are roots on this trail. The National Forrest addition is referred to as the NWCC trail. The NWCC is fast and flowy. It is a low grade climb going in, so it's a low grade decent coming back. Huntsville State Park has restrooms, showers, camping and a store on property. Swimming is allowed during warmer months.
I have ridden on this trail for many times and still enjoy it. Although it's not a single track, the trail is very easy to navigate. There are some long climbs and downhills. Tree roots are everywhere. I had tried all type of bikes with suspension at 100mm, 120mm, 140mm, and 160mm without any issues. It's a good trail to practice your biking skills. There is a branch trail loop going outside the park, which is flat and narrow. I took that route to avoid hikers when there are hikers on the park trail.
| ThankThis location has different trails that will have something for everyone. Huntsville has the most elevation in the region (read that as they have hills). It is also one of 2 trails, regionally, that are good to ride (usually) the day after it rains. The trails are more sand based, rather than silt based, which is the reason for the fast drying after rain. This can also cause the trail to be "sandy" after a prolonged dry spell.
Huntsville is the home of a fall TMBRA race. There are four main trails inside the State Park itself and there is an additional trail attached to, and accessed from, the State Park that is located in the neighboring Sam Houston National Forrest.
The four to five main trails inside Huntsville State Park are the Dogwood, Coloneh, Chinquapin, the CCC and the CCC Cutoff.
The Dogwood, CCC Cutoff and Coloneh trails are more connector trails. The Coloneh is more beginner friendly. The CCC Cutoff connects the CCC and Chinquapin trails with a FAST, fun decent from the CCC to the Chinquapin, or a long grinding climb from the Chinquapin to the CCC. The Dogwood has some fun drops and climbs.
The CCC was built by the CCC in the '30's and is largely jeep trails. The CCC has some long steep climbs, though, and can give a real work out. The steep climbs do translate to fast, steep descents. This is not the trail for a new rider. Experienced riders will enjoy Hamburger Hill on the west side of the park. Hamburger Hill can be reached using the CCC cutoff. This trail has sections that are gravel based.
The Chinquapin is the trail most used and is the most all around user friendly. It can be ridden clockwise, or counter clockwise. Clockwise, tends to be long climbs with steeper descents, while counter clockwise has has steep climbs with long descents. There are roots on this trail.
The National Forrest addition is referred to as the NWCC trail. The NWCC is fast and flowy. It is a low grade climb going in, so it's a low grade decent coming back.
Huntsville State Park has restrooms, showers, camping and a store on property. Swimming is allowed during warmer months.
| ThankLOVE this park!
| ThankDue to all the recent rains the trails have a lot of roots with holes around them. While these trails usually have sandy spots and roots they seem to be more than usual.
| ThankWe rode every trail there this weekend for a total of 38.3 miles over the course of a three day camping trip. Enjoyed every mile and love the park. It is pretty rooty in places but that adds to the challenge! There is more ups and downs than I realized from reading on then net.
| ThankTrail update. All trails are now reopened after Harvey. The sandy sections may have gotten a bit worse but still remain manageable. These trails never give you a break from roots and are mercilessly rough. Nevertheless, I ride these rooty trails on my entry level hardtail with a 100mm coil spring fork and still have a blast! These trails are definitely more well suited to a full suspension mtb but can be conquered on a hardtail with a bit of extra effort. The climbs are not steep, but they are riddled with big roots which force you to really focus on your line choice (at least on a hardtail). Overall this still a fun backwoods style trail!
| ThankWent out for a quick ride on December 16, 2017 in the park. All of theTriple C trail and about 4 miles of the Chinquapin Trail closed for construction after Hurricane Harvey flooding. Closed until further notice. The trails are very rooty but manageable. Looks like park officials have begun to smooth out some of the really nasty roots. There are a few very short sandy sections. Overall, an excellent place to go for a ride!
| ThankGreat day for a ride. Trails were good. The dam is still under construction. You can tell they had hard rain this week. All was dry, just a little wash out here and there.
| ThankThe surrounding area has recently received a lot of rain but the trail wasnt too awfully wet.
| ThankTrails are currently dry with many areas of loose deep sand. Of course you wouldn't ride when it is muddy, but this trail will be better a couple of days after the next heavy rain.
If you have never been to Huntsville State Park and you live in the area it is worth a short drive to try it out. Short climbs and lots of tree roots, but a good place to get in some miles. Park just past the park entrance (where you pay to get in) at the nature center parking lot. There are restrooms at the nature center. There is a trailhead in the parking lot across the road from the nature center. Trail there makes a loop around the lake.
| ThankLove this trail
| ThankRode 3 laps around Chinquapin today, good option if you just have to ride on dirt when it's been rainy around Houston. The trail is wide, fast, and beginner friendly but rooty. Plus, lots of sand that was fortunately quire firm on my ride from all the recent rains. At least it drains well.
| ThankHad fun, All trails none technical. Colonah is just some connectors, but one good climb. Dogwood is very civilized, almost a double track, fast riding none tech. Chinquapin: is over 6.5 miles around the lake. Still none technical but plenty of climb and fast descents. Trail in good shape except one obviously recent dead fall that would be great if it didn't sit 18 " in the air. Triple C I didn't expect much from. it's mostly overgrown washed out fire road with some connectors that runs the perimeter of the park. It turned out to be fun. on long straight stretches its like a T. Roosevelt point to point. right up and down what ever terrain is there. Good maps available at park.* Review edited 3/23/2012
| ThankGood trail for beginners, or for a quick workout. Not overly exciting but a bump here and there to keep it interesting. Can get pretty sandy when it has been dry but not so sandy that is is unrideable. Makes for an enjoyable ride.* Review edited 9/20/2010* Review edited 9/20/2010
| ThankGood ride for those of you who want to get out of the city for the afternoon. Lots a variations on the trail.
| ThankI love Huntsville, the scenery is really nice, especially when you get around the lake on the long bridge. Being a fairly new rider, I enjoyed the relative flatness, and it's length, had some climbing but not too tough. Beware of the sand! The State Park is awesome, I definately recommend making a weekend trip!
| ThankI rode there on 7/27/08 in the 98 degree heat. It was dry, a bit sandy, but overall the trails were good. It was easy to get turned around on the various trails where the connect, but I had a blast there. I would call it a beginner's trail, but there are some rough spots.
| Thank