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Level: Intermediate
Length: 12 mi (19.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +464/ -445 ft
Total: 59 riders
 

Mountain Biking Skullbuster

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#15 of 108 mountain bike trails in Kentucky
#1,537 in the world

Single track, good uphill climbs, small rock gardens & obstacles. Great views & nice flow. Just don't go if it's recently rain because the place takes quite a few days to dry...

First added by CyberBomb on Jan 1, 2014. Last updated May 1, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: yes
  • 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
900 Skinnersburg Rd Stamping Ground‎ KY‎ 40379 United States


Skullbuster Trail map

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Rassidan (Apr 17, 2022)
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Trail conditions

Good (Jul 15, 2018)
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Mountain Bike Trails Near Stamping Ground, Kentucky

***
Intermediate | 8 mi

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Reviews

  • estowalks
    ****

    Definitely not something to ride when wet. Very rocky and very rooty, almost dangerous. the first mile is mainly uphill, lots of switch backs, and is technical at times. You almost need to ride with flats, and not clipless. Suspension is a must, but can get away with just front. On the return loop off of Blue, it was confusing what way to go. So be diligent to keep tabs on where to turn. We took Yellow out and it was a nice transition. I would not put this at a black diamond range, but def a blue or double-blue. Consider running lower pressure in tires and bring water. It gets hot in the forest.

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  • S h a n e
    ***

    Too much uphill for me. It's a great workout. Roots and rocks are fun because you have to choose your line carefully. So it is technical. I like the woods the trails are in. We didn't ride the complete trail, we probably rode 75% if it. The climbs are tuff, and I was expecting a big downhill pay off I never got, there are some quick downhill sections(that can be a little sketcky) it just seemed like with all the climbing there would have been more. Check it out most people seem to really like it. Hats off to those who up keep and work on the trail. I thought the cow bell was cool.

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  • MurphyStPatrick
    *****

    Skullbuster is the "speak easy" of mountain bike trails. It's tough to find, hard to get in, and when you show up at the doorstep you question your decision making ability. But trust me, once you get going it's all worth it. This trail is just so much fun. It has the best flow and feel of any trail I've ridden. The ride just felt natural. It required good line choices and technical skills while having challenging climbs and ripping downhills. Combine loops for a good workout and even if tired, don't skip the orange loop. The speedy downhills and technical obstacles will give you enough adrenaline to get you through the two tough orange loop climbs. On top of the phenomenal ride quality it had a great remote feel to it that makes this a near perfect trail. Thank you to the Trail Blazers that created and maintain the trail.

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  • chipconstant
    ****

    Twisty rustic single track. 45 minutes from anywhere. Some cool technical stuff on the Orange loop. Not very well marked, especially the trailhead, and no facilities (bathroom or changing station). But it is challenging, not so much technically but you will never get off the small ring and flow-switchbacks and dead climbs, rock gardens and stream beds. For purists and athletes-a real aerobic test. Blue intersects Orange, then Blue back to the trailhead. About a half mile of pavement from trail to the grass parking lot.

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  • DaleRider
    ****

    Excellent trail. Spring break in Ky to find some new trails this week. This was one of them and didn't disappoint. Actual single track. One of the best trails I've been on. Rocky and technical. Even had log overs and steep grade climbs. Loved it. Kudos to those doing the trail work here for keeping it real.

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  • Hunu
    *****

    Bee-utiful & Exhausting
    Not an inch of straight-and-level trail! I found only the green access trail to be pump-able and it is FAST. The main blue trail has constant elevation change, loose rock, roots & plenty of face plant opportunities. Like all KY trails, poison ivy is routine near the trail, and first run of the day is rewarded with spider webs on body & bike. Lots of leaves have fallen so I really appreciated all the trail markers confirming I was still on the trail. Excellent in every way!

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  • MikeyJumper
    *****

    Can be very technical in some places. Not the fastest trail but is a ton of fun. Bring lot's of water trail is tiring.

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  • HairySingleTrackMonster
    ****

    Rode this a few weeks ago after a big snow. The snow made things more challenging. Really enjoyed the rock gardens and climbs. This place is remote, but worth the drive for an afternoon of fun.

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  • dialsrider
    *****

    This was a great and challenging for me. Very beautiful great climbs and the best single track near Lexington.

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  • FlatTopFred
    ****

    This place is a blast. It is remote and has a true back country feel. The trail is not overridden which helps keep this single track a 'single track' - not three feet wide. Hats off to those who built and maintain this trail. There are a couple of log overs, a very nice bridge and plenty of natural obstacles. The trail is well marked, again a credit to those to maintain the trail.

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  • cavedweller
    ****

    Ky singletrack at its finest. All narrow and flowy, lots of rocks and roots, also known as Lungbuster due to its constant hills and climbs. Nothing here is too hard but you will get a good workout. The trail is unique because of the decor. You will find cow skulls, bones and bike parts hanging from trees all over the course. You are very isolated out here and you get a "Deliverence" feel from the isolation and the look of the locals. The layout is a lariet on a lariet, all well marked. The orange loop is more techy than the blue. The trail occasionally crosses a horse trail and you will see groups out during the weekends, so keep trail ettiquette in mind. The locals keep this place on the DL and directions are kept secret. You can ride with a Bluegrass KYMBA member or contact the guys at Pedal Power in Lex. It's a load of fun and worth driving from Cincinnati, Lexington or Louisville. Its located about halfway between Lex and Cincy...45min drive. Have fun and enjoy...but keep safe because its at least an hour to the nearest medical center.

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  • CyberBomb
    *****

    This is my second & final review unless I need to update due to improvements. If you want a good 16 mile experience, I recommend you take the blue loop counter clock to the orange loop do the full orange loop & finish the blue loop. Once you're done turn around & do the blue loop clockwise for a fast trail experience. The orange loop is highly improved upon w/ bridges, high & low planks. You encounter various rock gardens & some downhill action in the orange section. Regarding the ponds, swim @ your own risk. This place is a blast & I'm glad to have it a few minutes away...

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  • CyberBomb
    ****

    Nice uphill climbs that provide a great workout. Good trail system in the middle of Kentucky wilderness. You can spot Deer, Skunks & snakes which make the trails far more interesting. The trails have a good flow but make sure you come w/ strength cause the climbs can drain a joey. Great views & even greater times. Don't bother going even if theres a hint of rain cause the place gets pretty slick fast & takes many days to dry. I would say that is the main downfall to Skullbusters. Aside from that make sure it hasn't rained for about a week for a great trail experience...

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