This trail system is in the Valley Falls State Park. All trails are clearly marked and well traveled. Most trails are old logging/ forest service roads and are constructed with crushed stone bed. Trails are crossed with mountain run-off, and have occasional breakdown of trail surface. There are approxiametly 7 trails thoughout the park. 6 of these trails make a loop from the parking lot. The main outter trail, Rhodadendren Trail, has 5 trails that lead off and criss-cross the park. All trails lead to Rhodadendren Trail or to the main park road. The Deer trail is the only trail that travels in the opposite direction, and forms its own loop.
The majority of trails are easy to moderate. Only the Red Rock Trail would be considered difficult/ expert (and the only single track in the park). This is not to say that you will not experience short but steep climbs and descents along any of the trails. The provided trail map gives excellent detailed descriptions of each trail.
The main parking area has a playground, picnic shelters, bathrooms and vending machines. A payphone is also available at the restrooms. Cell phone service is poor at best.
The park indicates that it closes at sundown and ANY car in the park will be towed after closing!
There are also several falls along the Tygret River that are accessible via walking/ riding trails near the main parking area.
Trail conditions are total slop right now. Figured with 4 days of sun and no rain, they would have dried out a bit but that's not the case. These trails are still a few weeks away from being dried out. The East side of the park was significantly drier but rhododendron trail was an absolute mud bog from bottom all the way to the top.
| ThankNew to the area and I've slowly been checking out trail systems by recommendations from other riders or reviews from Singletracks. I've now been to Coopers Rock, Watters Smith, Big Bear Lake, Snowshoe and now Valley Falls.
I started at rhododendron and climbed my way up. It felt like the first two miles were nothing but uphill. Rhodedendron is wide doubletrack/firetrail with tons of loose rocks. The first two miles weren't doing much for me on the fun level. As soon as I hit the very top of the ridge on Wild Turkey Trail, there was finally some nice singletrack that wasn't uphill. Explored Red Cardinal and Rocky trail a few times back and forth just to avoid anymore of those brutal climbs. All in all I had a good time and would definitely come back here. Maybe if I was in better shape I would have enjoyed those climbs on Rhodedendron or Dogwood.
| ThankWell maintained and a great all around place to ride.
| ThankI haven't ridden these trails in 20 years but they are still going strong and have just recently added Enduro (downhill/trail) rides that I really need to check out and add a fair rating. Look up Jason Martin at Pike Street Bikes and they can give you the latest on area riding and trail options.
| ThankJust moved into the area and rode a section of the trails this last weekend. I parked in the gravel parking lot and started out on the Rhododendron trail. I continued on the Rhododendron past the first fork that takes you on the Rocky Trail. Just before the Rhododendron turns into the Dogwood, there is a turn to the right that takes you to the fork that splits the Rocky and Turkey trails. I took the Rocky trail which took me back to the gravel parking lot.
I'm a novice and had a good time on my ride. Recent rain had washed away some dirt leaving parts of the trail very rocky and sometimes slick. The trail grade was mild but there were a few fairly steep areas that can test a beginner's endurance. Experienced riders may find it a bit boring but I definitely enjoyed myself. I left tired, sore, and absolutely filthy. Mission accomplished.
| ThankPark at end of long gravel parking lot. Take Rhododendron trail straight ahead. This trail is rocky, flat and wide for abou 3/4 miles. If you feel like a serious hill climb take a right onto Rocky trail, otherwise continue on Rhododendron and it will begin to bend to the right and you'll begin your climb to the top of the ridge line. Eventually you'll meet up with Dogwood trail and if you took Rocky trail earlier this is where you'll meet back at the main loop. Follow Dogwood along the ridge line and you'll come out behind the Superintendants house. Take a sharp left at the gate and you'll go down a very steep hill and then back up to the main park road. Turn right on the road then shortly turn left on Red Fox trail. Red Fox is a fast trail with 2-3 switchbacks. Turn left on Deer trail which includes lots of fast dips and sharp turns. Finally the trail will giveaway to a gravel fire road that will lead you back to the main road. Turn left at the main road to head back to you vehicle.
| ThankMost trails are fire service roads. Crushed stone surface with some occasional breakdown of the main surface. Trails are crossed by small streams.
Nice day ride, I think these trails will test most people's endurance without over-taxing you. These trails are not really for the adrenaline seeker!
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