There is a network of trails here. The trails are multi use. All of the trails
are as wide as double track but mostly smooth. There are places where
you could easily fit 3 horses shoulder to shoulder across the trail. The trails
do not have any remarkable features or technical challenge. However the
sheer size of the area and the moderate climbs and ripping fun downhills
make this a fun trip. It isn't going to satisfy single track purists looking for a
the next best trail. But everyone else would probably enjoy it IF single
track is not a priority. The trails are pretty smooth overall, a few have some
baby head gardens. The climbing isn't going to force many hike a bikes but
in places it is extended. The Scenery is worth mentioning. The trail system
overlooks the Shenandoah river and the valley. Very nice. Camping
available. State Park Fee is $3 or 4$. Previous trail description listed just
Bear Bottom Loop. The size and numerous trails require a more up to date
listing.
The best trail in the trail system.It includes a rocky are about 1/4 mile that is rideable.Some of the best built trail I have seen.Mostly double track but still mt. biking with great flowing downhill.
| ThankThis is a great park to come ride with something for everyone from beginner to more advanced. That said there is no true single track, but the park is absolutely beautiful. Wonderful place to bring the family.
| ThankThis is a great ride for beginners, my 10 yr old loves it here. Very wide single track. Some good climbs and fast down hills.
| ThankGreat trail system for a good workout. Lots of elevation changes make for getting out of breath and then a great downhill run. Not a single track trail so it is not very technical, but it sure is fun!!
| ThankCamped for the weekend. The campground is really nice. Nice trail but no real singletrack. Rode every trail in the the park in maybe 4 hrs. A lot of it is very similar and sometimes you think you already rode that section but you didn't. Good workout. Smooth trail but nothing technical here. Definitely some fun sections and I'd go back. Include a trip to Elizabeth Furnace about a half hr away for another good ride but really technical rock riding there.
| ThankBeautiful scenery, peaceful ride. Need to be in shape, not for kids or complete beginners. No technical stuff but the downhill portions are great fun. You can also fish and have a nice cookout/picnic in the park in between rides.
| ThankAs previously stated, there's pretty much no singletrack at the park. All of the trails are quite wide (not quite doubletrack, but definitely not singletrack). This being said, don't let this deter you from checking it out. The trails are actually quite fun, even if they aren't technical - the hardest part of the park are some of the climbs. Allen's Mountain trail is one heck of a climb, but you are rewarded with a sweet downhill. All the trails are pretty good. As stated, there are over 20 miles of trail to check out. Just watch out for the horse poo.
| Thanklocation web site http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/and.shtml
Park Map
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/documents/shenandoahriver.pdf
The web site shows 13 trails and mentions 6 are multi use. But the girl at the gate told me that all of the trails were bike friendly. I put together 26 miles completing all of the loops and riding some roads and gravel trails that most everyone will want to avoid if possible.
Great trail system depending on what you are looking for. Previously just the Bear Bottom loop trail was identified on this web site. There are 13 trails in the system according to park literature. You can link rides together however you like. Most of the riding would suit beginners, advanced beginners and intermediates. There is no real challenge to the trails themselves and very little character to the trails. However they are great training and confidence building. Especially if you haven't ever had your bike up to speed on a rolling dirt track downhill. **Watch out for pedestrian and equestrian users on the weekends. Ride in control** I was there on a Tuesday and it was dead but I assume it gets quite a bit of use on the weekends in season.
There are some standouts. Bear Bottom, Big Oak and Red Tail are very nice. In fact the entire south complex is pretty good riding. Don't miss the downhill on Slate trail. Also the top of Culler's Trail is a pretty fun downhill. Pretty straight and flowy but definitely a place where you can open it up. The upper part of Culler's trail ends at the RV camp ground. After that it becomes a gravel 2 track slog. On the north side trails you can find a pretty good but short downhill on the Wildcat Ledge trail.
Camping galore and a very nice facility overall make this a pretty cool place to go if you don't require pure singletrack. If nothing else it is a viable alternative to the regular ride you are doing.
My recommendation would be to park at the horse trailer parking after the welcome center and ride the South trails. * Review edited 6/7/2011
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