Review Date
July 13, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: desteig ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I use to ride this trail on a regular bases when I lived in the Montgomery area from 2001-2003 but July 12th 08 was my first trip back since leaving the area. I use to say the Swayback trails were the second best trails in the area, Oak Mountain being #1. I knew there had been a new 4 mile section of trail added but still I didn’t think these trails could be as good as Oak Mountain. After riding them yesterday they are no longer second best in mind. You may not get the long climbs that you get at Oak Mountain but there are plenty of climbs that will test your endurance and you ability to pick the right line to complete the climb. There are also plenty of fast descents along the trail to test your nerve and handling skills. The last time I rode the trails they had been severely hurt by logging efforts in the area. They are back and better than ever. There was also a lot of mud last time I rode but now there are bridges over most of these areas preventing the deep ruts and erosion that would eventually happen. These trails are beautifully maintained and will test any skill rider and the group I came with proves this. We had good sport class riders down to true beginners and all were able to handle the trails as long as they stayed within their skill level. (Matter of fact it was the good riders who were doing the bleeding and that was because of the speed they were able to ride and the chances they were willing to take. Just some scrapes no serious injury to rider or bike.) The technical aspects increase when you ride them faster and you can go fast. In the same token they can be ridden by anyone if they stay within their skill limits. Also the trails are marked better than any trails I have ever ridden. I would like to give some big kudos to the folks who maintain these trails. If you want long climbs go to Oak Mountain. If you want fast twisting, rolling, short steep climbs come to Swayback. It will not take me 5 years to get back.

Recommended Route:
Enter under the big sign and follow the colored markers to the route of your choice. Get a map at the bulletin board.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Oak Mountain, Bartram Trail

Review Date
April 13, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: tatim78 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I have ridden this trail for the first time today. I loved it! The trail offers riders a great ride with some very fast sections and some slightly technical sections as well. There are several elevation changes that may challenge even the best of riders. The technical aspect of the trail is all left up to how fast you choose to ride. Many roots and rocks at off camber slopes challenge riders to maintain course on a particular line. The trail is extremely well maintained and great for experts and beginners alike. Make sure you wear your helmet, you may find out you're not quite as invincible as you think on this one.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Oak Mtn

Review Date
July 23, 2007

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Visitors rate this review
2.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: bjeylee ,  Racer

Summary:
"Swayback Bridge Trail is quickly becoming one of the best trails in Alabama, if not the south." I have to disagree. This isn't a bad trail, but to say it's one of the best in the state...come on. Enjoyed it, had some fun sections, liked the "roller coaster" section as well as those challenging "wall" climbs. Good trail to get extra miles in if your tired of Oak Mtn. Overall a pretty good trail, but it didnt' live up to the hype.

Recommended Route:
Pick a color and rip it.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
oak mtn, chikasabogue, cheaha...

Review Date
July 13, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: GreenLightGo ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is a great trail system. I've ridden it twice in the past two weeks, both times, the tight curvy singletrack has provided great entertainment and some decent challenges. Not too rocky, lots of tree roots and some odd off-camber stretches keep you on your toes. I've done portions of the gold route, all of the red (7 mi) and all of the green (2.5 mi). Haven't tried blue or black yet though a good portion of black overlaps red.

As mentioned below in one of the reviews - the Nevegal front/ Small Block 8 rear combo works well when dry. I've got the DTC compound 2.35 on both. In fall/winter, you'll want something with more bite to counteract the pine needles.

Trail drains well after a rain. Early morning summer rides will net you lots of spider webs but it's cooler. Later afternoon shadows through the trees will make it challenging to read terrain with sunglasses - go clear lense. Definitely take water in the summer, wear glasses (it's tight in many places) and go have fun in Central Alabama.

Recommended Route:
Red route skirts the lake and has some great views.

Review Date
May 8, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: corb ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I was really surprised at the quality of this trail. TOLA has done an excellent job building this great singletrack. The trails are very well marked and the varying range of difficulty is nice if you have a mixed-skill group of riders. The waterline trails are very nice.

Recommended Route:
The Black Trail

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Oak Mountain State Park