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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 3 mi (4.8 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Figure 8
Elevation: +436/ -537 ft
Total: 28 riders
Mountain Biking Union University Trail System
#59 of 202 mountain bike trails in Tennessee
The trail is a beginner trail with a few sections of intermediate level technicality. There are two loops, one old and one new, both of which were (I believe) built with the hands of the local bike club, The Jackson Spokes. The southern loop (older loop) is a short (roughly 1-mile?) and fast loop with a couple of short steep hills, mostly fast with some tight trails in a coniferous area. Take the exposed connector trail parallel to the road north to the second loop which is roughly 2 miles. This trail has some nice fast sections mixed with short hill charges and ridge descents. Elevation change is not a factor here, but the terrain is varied enough to make it fun. Lots of walkers and runners so watch for users! Thanks to Jackson Spokes and Union University!
First added by tumbleweed14 on Oct 2, 2011. Last updated Apr 28, 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.
From Hwy 45 just north of I-40, you can take Country Club Ln. on the south side of Union U. or Oil Well Rd. on the North side of Union U. to Pleasant Plains Extd. This road follows the western boarder of the University and about halfway down, you can pull into Union U. next to Providence Hall into the small parking lot.
These trails are nicely maintained and the stacked loops allow for anything from a rank novice to a moderate hammerhead to get in a good ride. There's little in the way of elevation gain, just a few sharp climbs out of drainages, but they're short. I didn't see any directional indications and I suspect the trails ride equally well either way. Too twisty to really open it up, so the only challenge is in maintaining momentum through the may tight turns. This would be a great place to singlespeed.
| ThankI was in Jackson and hit this trail, being I had never been on it before I had everything for a flat and anything else I might encounter. Leave it all in your vehicle. Zero rocks and very minor roots. Its obvious somebody loves these trails. They are super maintained and well marked. I just rode the hardest trail as far as the map indicated. Very short so I just rode it a few times. Alot of traffic with runners so I pulled over a bunch. I encountered a few folks going against the flow and they had headphones in so getting their attention was a speed killer. Very good experience and it looked like there were more technical stuff on the way. Very safe trail and your never far from your vehicle if you have an issue.
| ThankFairly nice in town system, lots of flowing trail, with some flowing into, and out of old erosion gullies. Trail marking is getting better, but it's not like you could get lost!
| ThankTrail is now just over 6 miles long. Good mix of tight twisty and more open climbing and descending. Couple of bridges and log crossings to keep you on your toes.
| ThankNot too bad. Worth checking and As Long as you do not park in the Teacher parking spots, Your free to park anywhere you want. I wouldn't park in the grass though :)
| ThankRode this trail over the weekend. It was a little slushy from the rain/snow the area had received recently. I had planned this ride weeks before so I was going to ride regardless of weather. The trail was awesome. Not sure on length but a friend and I rode the whole system in 2 hours with some decent breaks. The right half of the trail is the longer section with fast switchbacks and great up and down action. The left side near the pond has some more technical pieces with a few jumps recently put in. The people taking care of this trail are doing a great job. It gets heavy use from mountain bikers and trail runners.
| ThankThis trail is now about 4.5 miles. There have been alot more technical areas added over the last few months. Some nice twisty berms, a few jumps and some pretty steep downhill/uphill that can ALL be bypassed by the beginner. I like knowing that there is a basic trail that we all take, but the beginners and we more experienced can take different obsticles, even when riding together. One thing to keep in mind, people ride both directions. I ride both directions every time because I do 15-18 miles when I ride, so I gotta change it up. I think this trail is great for the space that it has been placed in. Also, there is some room for improvement, and the riders usually do.* Review edited 5/12/2012
| ThankIf you happen to be in the Jackson, TN area and are looking for some good singletrack, this is the only trail I would recommend. There isn't a traditional "trail head," just park across the street at Union University per the directions and you'll spot the trail running along a hill. The ride is short but the trail is very well maintained and has a great mix of ups and downs. There also seemed to be a new run cut that ended up being a very tight and technical wind through the woods. This is a great run in-town. Make the most and run it a few times to get some mileage. The trail could use a few signs and/or a map because it can get really confusing out there.
| ThankRelatively short trails. Somewhat technical but not real hard. The flat, tight pine tree section is a blast! Just wish it were longer.
| ThankSome log crossings that beginners will not like but there are 'go-arounds' around most. Overall a nice workout that is close to home if you live in Jackson. Makes a good walking, running trail also. Fun at night..... I have the trail all to myself.