Reviewed by: Terry Ryan , from Bedford

Summary:
When I heard that Team Sinister had taken Jacks as a summer home I had to ride it to see the new changes. All the old stunts are fixed and some sweet new ones added like one called Drop Kick Jesus where there's a drop to a short steep downhill then off a ramp that kicks you onto a huge boulder then off that via a ladder. There's also new technical downhill lines with multible choices at the bottom like a gap, side drop or skinny.

Reviewed by: Ryan MacNeil , from Bedford

Summary:
In a word, FUN!! Well, thats relatively speaking. If you are looking for something a little different, a little more extreme, then this is the trail for you. It consists of a couple of main loops that are littered with natural and man-made stunts and obstacles. Theres also an abundance of tight, root-infested single-track between the stunts, just to add a twist to the experience. Terrain may not be the best descriptor as this trail was built for free/extreme riding. Although theres little, if any elevation gain, the trail is quite hilly. The main focus of this trail system is the stunts and obstacles that decorate it. I will not try and describe the multitude of stunts and obstacles that this trail has to offer, rather I will offer up my view of the more interesting sections and leave the others for your personal discovery. After climbing up the gravel road, you turn left onto the single track section. The reward is almost instantaneous; a short technical section is soon followed by a short but steep downhill. Alternatively you may hang left and drop off the ramp (yes, a ramp/jump on the downhill sweet) that nets you approximately 5 vertical and 6-10 horizontal feet of air. Then, a little more technical single track followed by a fun section. Another interesting section consists of a stepped rock outcrop that has a couple of ladders and a bridge about 5' high by 10' long. The bridge ends abruptly and the rider is presented with a 3'-4' drop. Theres the possibility of a couple of other drops as well but the landings are extremely short. After playing on the rock outcrop and bridge there are a couple of small, fun ramps; the first is off to the left of the main trail while the second spans the trail width. Both are great but the second is a sturdier construction with a gentle transition. One of the stunts began as a short bridge with a gentle ramp. To make it more interesting, a teeter-totter was added at the end of the bridge. This stunt is approximately 15 in length. The entrance to the ramp is a little tricky and the teeter-totter is suspended approximately 4. Basically, you ride up the ramp, along the bridge and onto the teeter-totter, which teeters to a steep angle and has a tendency to throw the rear of your bike up if you ride it too fast. Just when you thought the fun was over you are presented with a sturdy ramp that allows for a 6 drop, a second ramp that also allows for some nice air, a short technical section with a couple of tight drop-ins, and a long ramp that drops onto a second, short ramp. These make for a very enjoyable section of trail. Further down the trail are a couple of natural rock faces that can be ridden or launched. Again, these sections have tight drop-ins and short run outs making for some interesting riding. There is yet another ramp, short and very steep, off an 8 rock face with the shortest run out imaginable. This leads into a technical downhill with no less than four entry points, all of which are steep, technical and have a short run out. If you enjoy the freeride, or highly technical trails then this is one of several great offerings in the greater Halifax area. The highlight of this trail is the construction of the stunts. Compared to other trails in the area, this one ranks as one of the best for quality of construction. More trails should be built of this calibre. This whole area gets very wet and slick when it rains. It is not advisable to ride this trail immediately after a rainfall, as the chances for your getting hurt are significantly increased, and youll cause unnecessary damage to the environment. This is a trail for intermediate to advanced riders. The stunts and obstacles on this trail demand a high degree of technical proficiency to be completed safely. If you are unsure of a section, get off your bike and walk around it.

Recommended Route:
The Jacks Lake trail can be found off the Hammonds Plains Road (Route 213) in Bedford, NS. Hammonds Plains Road is accessible via exit 3 off of highway #102, or from the Bedford Highway. The trailhead is at the green gate on the right-hand side (heading up Hammonds Plains Road) immediately after you go under the 102 hwy overpass.

Reviewed by: Sketchy , from Bedford NS

Summary:
This trail is getting better. The Trail Elves have been hard at work! New stunts, as well as drainage work recently. If you're a newbie to this particular trail, have a look at everything before you ride it. Buckle up and wear your armor, cuz you're gonna need it! Have fun!

Recommended Route:
as above

Reviewed by: matt , from fall river

Summary:
me my self i like to do big wellie drops and laders. if you've heard of the north shore and you want to do that stuff go to jacks lake after you're do ridin the trail go down to bedford and urbin ride. go to the strip mall were bicycles plus and i think its shoppers and ride arond there it piss's the sicurity guards off.

Recommended Route:
same as the others

Other recommended trails in the same area:
just go to bedford and do so urban ridin