Reviewed by: grzydj ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Sadly, this trail used to be much better.

When I first moved down here I rode these trails. It was in the middle of the sweltering summer and it was hot, but I enjoyed the trails for what they were. While the trails are flat, this can be somewhat deceptive as the soft loamy sand can rob your energy reserves once the temperatures start to soar. Still some fun to be had on this single track.

On returning to the trails a few months ago, I was quite dismayed to find that the whole entire trail head had been clear cut. At first there was just a sign stating that you were to follow a temporary trail until you got to the trail that hadn’t been destroyed. Hope you enjoy your mile walk though a sand trap!

Even once you get to the rest of the trail, you will still find considerable portions of the trail that were destroyed for no apparent reason at all. I had talked to the local bike club and they told me that the Forrest Department wasn’t supposed to cut out any of the trail.

How disappointing. I used to like these trails.

Recommended Route:
Wait until they fix these trails, if that ever happens.

Reviewed by: timNE ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Ridden 2003-11-02 about an hour before sunset. Took 75 minutes at 70-80% THR. A well marked trail would probably take around 60 minutes for the nine mile loop.

The beginning mile and ending mile have been clear cut and contain sections without any signs/flags. The clear cuts make the trail a PITA or a nice challenge to pick lines to peddle over branches/stumps and through log skidder tracks, depending on your point of view. I just wish the clear cut area of the trail was marked better. I got off the trail twice but found my way back.

Would not consider night ride until the trail is marked better and clear cut trail area groomed. Also check for hunting seasons. I ran across a couple hunters setting up for the evening.

Recommended Route:
Trail is marked for clockwise ride. Follow trail as much as possible. When the first section of unmarked trail occurs, keep to the left end of the clear cut and you will eventually pick up the trail again. Likewise, on the final leg, stay towards the left side of clear cut to pick up the trail again.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Sand Pond State Park - I believe other reviews for this place are listed under "Pine Log State Park". This is just north of Crooked Creek on hwy 79, first left past the bridge, next right to trail head.

Reviewed by: Hu Dey ,  Cross Country Rider , from Cincinnati, OH

Summary:
I brought my Stumpjumper FSR with me on vacation to Seagrove Beach & tried the trails at Crooked Creek & Eastern Lake. Crooked Creek is in Bay County on Rt. 79 exactly 13 miles north of Rt. 98 from Panama City Beach on the right-hand(east)side of the road. Leave a buck in the dropbox & hang the tag on your rearview mirror when you park.

Trail starts out OK, but most of the trail is moderately sandy, deep sand at fireroad intersections & fair amount of puddles approx. 9 inches deep & as long as 75 yards(rained hard night before, but most of the water sunk in)& very, very HOT! 65% of the ride is shaded, but it's still hot. Even the puddles were hot.

I rode the 10 mile route. Had my eyes open for rattlers, but only wildlife I saw was 1 small fast lizard. I counted maybe 5 total logs to hop, but they were located where you could get no speed up to enjoy them (just after deep sand areas, just before tight squeeze between trees, etc.) Trail was mostly twisty,& the sand is slippery. I don't think my speed ever got over 15 mph. My avg. speed was 8-9 mph. Trail could use some long straight areas where you can go faster.

I race beginner class in OH & KY & have been to maybe 10 different trails. Hate to give a low rating, but I'd put crooked creek at about a 3 on a scale of 10, with 10 being best.

It's better than Eastern Lake, worse than the paved 12 mile sidewalk on 30-A (gotta watch out for cars though)& no comparison to the trails I've raced on.

My advice to vacationers, leave the bike at home, swim, kayak, & take a waverunner tour.

Recommended Route:
save your buck & your time and take a cool swim.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
none

Reviewed by: Pete , from Newnan, GA

Summary:
From GA so the sand trail is a welcome as compaired with GA red MUD. There is very little elevation gain but the sand will drain your power just as much as riding in elevation. Overall this is a fast fun trail.

Recommended Route:
same as above