Reviewed by: Christexan ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This trail is perfect to relax and "get away from it all". It is NOT for tricksters or those who are looking for the hardest challenges. Starting at 377 (until I can figure out if the Pocahontas entrance actually has "safe" parking, I've gotten conflicting information from people), you start off with the most challenging part of the trail. The first mile or so has some tight turns in the woods (nearly all turns are part of climbs/descents involving rocks and roots as well), but nothing too difficult, intermediate riders should have no difficulties and beginners can easily walk their bikes up/down the couple of slopes that might intimidate.
After this first mile, you leave the woods and arrive on the absolutely "boring" part of the trail... if visibility is good, open up full-bore and get some aerobics in here, it's a mildly turning ride across flood plain for about another mile or so, good for speed (but watch the blind turns, this is 2-way trail and if the reeds are taller than your line-of-sight, you are VERY likely to smack someone head-on (or run into a longhorn bull... you won't win, so watch out). Remember, hikers, joggers, and potentially angry (if you hit one) cattle always have right-of-way.
After this the 3rd (mileage not accurate but for illustration purpopses) mile opens with a few twists and turns and a few trees, then a nice climb and suddenly opens up into some quite scenic vistas of rolling hills (and wildlife and plantlife)... if you are a photography buff or artist, here is where the ride gets very interesting, some amazingly gorgeous scenery in the middle of nowhere, if the season is right. This section loops back and forth, up and down the hillsides, and although the climbs are some of the longest of the trail (and longer than anything at Northshore), all are gradual enough that only a moderate effort is needed to climb them. There are some loose sections as well, particularly on off-camber spots, be careful. The last mile goes back into the trees with a couple of moderately technical sections, nothing too hard, and then you shoot out to a short open ride to an old (closed) boat ramp. (at the end of Pocahontas road) This IS the end of the bike trail, across the "road" is another trailhead, that is the equestrian trail.
Last note... this trail has one additional plus... it's generally not too crowded.

Recommended Route:
Go in, ride, go out (there aren't any options other than a couple of corner-cutting shortcuts) A couple of technical details... There are a couple of benches (which you might miss if you take the "shortcuts" that are here and there) in the heart of the trail (the most scenic areas), but there isn't any water, bring your own!!! Also, beware the horse trails, they cross the bike trail at one point, and are very near it at the "high" bench as well... don't get confused, or you'll ride around awhile (I did my first time)... turns a 10 mile trail into much longer... :-) There is only one bike trail, it's not well marked where they cross, at some point hopefully that'll be fixed, (and the flat fast section has hoof prints... you are on the right trail though, those are cattle tracks, not horse tracks)

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Northshore (get your rock climbing/descending practice), Rowlett Creek (not really the "same area")... for tree-dodging (I've heard (and seen video) that Johnson Branch is even twistier, but haven't made it there myself yet. Any trail, get out and ride! (Or better, go to a trail workday, THEN ride) :-)

Reviewed by: AlaskanSpider ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
So here's the scoop about Knob Hills. This trail has alot of diversity. Twisty turny uphills and three large ditch like thingies color the first mile and a half. After this let the horses loss because it's time to turn it on. At the other end of the trail (about last mile or so) it gets kinda tricky curvy techish. And then Whammo! Your at the end.....but wait! It's time to go back! This is important because all the upsie dosie things are all backwards and different. Great trail to learn clips or learn beginning type technical stuff & and then a good dose of FAST. I like FAST because of the cardio work out and such. Please be careful because trail is out and back.

Recommended Route:
Route 377. .7 miles south of 1171

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Isle D'boise
Johnson's branch

Reviewed by: ColTrail ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Great trail to get away from the crowd of bikers / runners / wanderers on North Shore. Starts good... Gets flat... Ends OK... Then turn around. 10 to 11 miles. If your out to stretch you legs without the traffic, perfect destination. One word of warning... WATCH OUT FOR THE LONGHORNS! Trust me.

Recommended Route:
377 up from Roanoke. Trailhead parking lot on right.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
North Shore in early morning, late at night, dead heat midday or freezin' cold.