You can take this trail CCW or CC, it doesn't really matter. The trail is designed and built by volunteers from KYMBA-LT with help from local boyscout troops. The majority of the trail and extensive signage located with the Annex area was funded by a grant received from Nolin RECC as part of their Round-up Community Support Program.
Saunders Springs has mountain biking trails for riders of all levels. Consisting of 10 separate trails linked (and marked) throughout the park, this family-friendly trail system is readily accessible and open year round (weather permitting) from sunrise to sunset. Connecting the Perimeter Loop with advanced skills loops allows riders to get 5 miles of great singletrack, and the beginner loops are perfect for introducing newer riders to mountain biking.
Within the Annex there are three areas that have been set aside for exclusive use by Mountain Bikers. These areas comprise about 20% of the total land area included within the Annex.
1. The Mountain Bike Skills Development Area is located within 200 feet of the upper restrooms (and the proposed Welcome Center). Yet to be completed, this area will contain a number of basic mountain biking skills features such a small rock garden, low "skinnies," small log piles to negotiate, banked turns, small "rollers," and other elements. This is where the novice and young rider can develop the skills needed to best utilize the trail system in the Annex.
2. The entrance to the Starcluster Area is located off the Knox Trail. This area is about 1,200 feet in length with a terrain differential of about100 feet. Not yet fully developed, there will be several sets of trails and features suitable for the intermediate and advanced rider. At the top of Starcluster will be a Pump Track.
3. The Coffepot Area is steepest area within the Annex with a 100 foot drop in height along its 800 foot length. Not yet fully developed, the Coffeepot area will have multiple trails, jumps, and steep drops. This area will be for the more advanced rider. The trail system here ends alongside the paved access road (Saunders Springs Drive) at that point where the road makes a 270 degree turn just down from the Scout Camping Area.
History & Background
The Saunders Springs Nature Preserve is located in Radcliff, Kentucky, and consists of a 26 acre Nature Preserve owned and operated by the city of Radcliff and overseen by the Radcliff Forestry and Conservation Board. Adjacent to the nature preserve is a 73 acre tract called the Saunders Springs Annex which the city has leased and from Fort Knox. There is no charge (entrance fee) to use the Preserve and Annex areas and they are open for recreational use from dusk to dawn year around, weather permitting.
Need To Know
The nearest mountain bike sales and repair shop is located less than one-half mile from the Preserve (Outdoor Ventures Schwinn, 1498 N. Dixie Boulevard (31W), 270 351-5767).
Multiple restaurants, shops, and gas stations are within a short drive as well.
Local Bike Club: Kentucky Mountain Bike Association-Lincoln Trails (KyMBA-LT)
https//www.facebook.com/groups/kymba.lt/
Nice trail for the area. Trail is built on leased land from Ft. Knox. If you are in the area this is a good trail to improve riding skills. Map is located at the trail head and the trail is very well marked.
| ThankThis trail system has a little something for everyone. The trails contain a skills park, wood features, scenery, wildlife, bridges, log crossings, rock gardens and other technical features. The perimeter trail is easy enough for new riders but challenging enough to entertain nearly any rider. You can always ride it the opposite direction and it is like a whole new trail. Improvements are constantly being made and the majority of the trail drains well.
| Thankthis is gonna be kinda long as I think the description is from the way this system was a few years ago. As the closest trail system to me I ride it often. Definitely a family friendly trail system and great for beginners as my 8 year old rode lots of the perimeter trail with only minimal difficulty as her first mtb ride. My kids especially like the skills area at the trail head. The landscape is beautiful and I dont think I've ever ridden there without seeing at least 1 deer. Most of the trails drain ok with the exception of a few spots. The trails are getting better all the time as the builders are spicing it up by adding some really fun optional features like rock gardens, skinnies, and log rolls along the otherwise bland green perimeter trail. The newest feature "Woodhenge" is a pretty difficult figure 8 skinny that varies in width throughout made from logs. There are 2, more technical fun downhill mtb only trails in the starcluster area featuring some drops, berms, rock gardens, steep rolls, some small jumps, and a very fun long wooden feature at the bottom of hellfire. Both of which connect to a 1 way technical climb called misery which I like to loop with the sabot and hellfire downhills for a few laps. Would like to see the coffeepot area developed as the signage says its expert mtb only but as far as I've seen there are no trails in that area. Some progressive table jumps would be nice (???????? kymba LC). There are some really good trail systems within an hour from Saunders that offers a much wider range of difficulty and features though. That said, as more features are continually added for the more advanced rider this relatively small system will be 5 star worthy. Plenty of fun for everyone and as others have said, a good place to get in some quick mileage.
| ThankMeant to give 3 stars in previous review.
| ThankTrail work happening. Few fun sections in the skills loop, but mostly boring trail system. Park is nice though. Probably my last choice of trail for mtb in the area, and beyond.
| ThankThe new trail sections are coming along but man it is difficult. I ride here for short quick sessions and mainly to check to see if any new sections have opened up. They added some new single track over this last winter which has extended the perimeter trail. Also, it seems like some of the trail surfaces have opened up to more rocky and roots trail which has only added to the trails "fun" factor. I still rate it super easy but it's better than the last time I rode it!
| ThankMy go to trail for a quick ride. Its still really young, but you can see the work being done. Lots of fun, and gets better every year.
| ThankThis is my go-to trail for a quick ride. Saunders Springs is a beautiful park for the family with lots of hiking trails also. The MTB trail I believe will only keep getting better. There are ALOT of switchbacks and the trail isn't very strenuous. My 10 year old likes this trail and there is a skills track that's short but kinda fun. The trail is conveniently located by Ft. Knox and I do recommend picking up a map for the park.
| ThankSo so trail but fun for a quick ride. Lots of gravel but good to ride after a short rain once it dries a bit. It will get nice and grippy and you can really speed it up.
| ThankThis is a fantastic trail and there is more to come. It contains trail for everyone in the family and it is very well maintained. The trail is well made and drains well. There are also walking trails in the area for those interested in walking/hiking. There is a fantastic group of volunteers working very hard to add new trails and maintain the existing trails.
| ThankLove this trail for riding alone and groups on an easily accessible trail right next to Fort Knox, and to bring my family for a great single track ride for fun. Just enough technical to make it challenging for my family, and to work skills when I ride alone at a faster pace. This is a great, fun trail that spans the range of experiences and skills; drains and rides well; and is easily accessible for Hardin, Meade, Bullitt, and even Jefferson Counties. Disregard the comments bat gravel - that has been long resolved by the trail care crew at Saunders Springs.
| ThankSaunder Springs mountain bike trails are a little gems that are getting better and better each. The trail system is very young in comparison to nearby trails, however there has been quite a bit of volunteer hours put into Saunders and new trails will be added this year. People have complained about the roots and gravel on the trails. 1st you're on a mountain bike and roots make the trail fun and challenging and the gravel, well a group of motivated yet misguided volunteers though they were doing right, in any case much of the gravel has either been reduced or has been packed into the trail system. Plus all of the new trails are gravel free.
| ThankSo getting back to the subject at hand Saunder Springs is a great place to ride. If you live or work on Fort Knox you can easily break away for lunch and get a lap in. The trails are well made and the soil really holds up well after heavy rains, keeping the trails open when nearby trails close. So come down to Radcliff Kentucky and see what Saunders has to offer.
Good if you need to practice your switchback skills and climbs. There's a doosey of a climb here! I give it a 2 star only for that reason. I'd give it a 1 star otherwise mainly due to the gravel. As another reviewer mentioned, it's dangerous. Give this some years and maybe the gravel will work it's way in and not be such a factor. I ride all over the country at all levels of IMBA trail built standards and while I give the local bike shop kudos for working so hard on this trail and trying so hard as they've done, they really need to get the boyscout troop layoff the gravel.
| Thank