The Upper County Park trail is a 3.7-mile loop within the 75-acre Upper County
Park in James City County, Virginia. The trail begins near the end of the cul-de-
sac at the end of the park entrance road. Look for the mountain bike trail signs.
The trail is on the left of the chained-off gravel road that leads back into the
woods. Much like other trails in the area the loop contains many quick climbs
and descents through ravines that surround the creek and bottomland areas
adjacent to the park. The route is somewhat technical with tight turns and off
camber sections. There are, however, fast stretches that use the terrain for
banked turns. One downhill contains four turns that take you from side to side
in a small ravine much like a bobsled course. Although shorter than other
nearby trails maintained and constructed by the Eastern Virginia Mountain
Association (EVMA), the trail is no less demanding. In fact, aerobically it is one of
the more challenging. Many of the climbs come one after the other with few flat
areas to recover. This trail requires attention. You will find it hard to take you
hands off the bar to grab a water bottle or even your hydration pack hose. The
trail sees little use, so expect a few sticks and branches and a narrow tread
through the will blueberry (lowbush) which covers much of the forest floor along
the trail.
The trail was designed to be ridden clockwise but can be ridden in both
directions. In fact, counter clockwise seems to require more climbing and it will
take you a bit longer to complete a loop. You can also ride the trail in a figure
eight since there is a cross over near the mid-way point. Also, if you are riding
clockwise, look for a bailout near the 3-mile point. The bailout drops you in on
an old gravel road that makes a loop through the woods starting near the trail
entrance. The gravel road was part of the old campground that previously
existed at the site. In fact, you will see electrical boxes for the old campsites
along sections of the trail.
In the summer, after your ride, plan to cool off in the park pool. While there is
no fee for park admission or riding, a fee is charged for use of the pool. Other
amenities at the park include children's playground equipment and an outdoor
basketball court. Pavilions are also available for a fee. Next time you ride, take
the family. They can enjoy the pool and playgrounds.
Private property trail closes 4/15/2016!!
| ThankTrails are rooty and wet so a lot of tire slip on climbs but other than that trail was most excellent and fast.
| ThankI live right up the street from this trail. Its decent for what we have in Williamsburg. There is lots of roots, the trail isnt kept to well hence not many people ride it, in a lot of the turns in the bottoms of the trail there is tons of sand collected so it can be pretty sketchy at some points. Its a good trial if you need to get in a quick ride!
| Thank