Review Date
July 24, 2009

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Dayres ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is a very different trail than Town Run in Indianapolis. This trail will definitely test your fitness level, as there is a lot of drawn out climbing, especially in the final 2/3's of the trail. The downhill sections of the trail are not very fast, but really test your balance and braking ability. Lots of wildlife can be seen from the trail, I saw at least 5 deer on my last ride, and the trail isn't ridden very heavily. Lots of hairpin turns, but few technical challenges such as jumps, ramps, drop-offs, etc. The trail is fairly narrow is several places and could use some widening to make it more open and faster. The addition of a wrap around loop after about 2-3 miles would be ideal so riders could ride it .5 or 1.5 times. During summer months, the foliage can be pretty dense in the areas near the lake where the tree cover isn't as intense; this leads to low levels of visibility in these areas.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Town Run Park - Indianapolis. Rangeline Nature Preserve - Anderson.

Review Date
October 15, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: dkaros ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Just rode this over the weekend and just before the Brown County Breakdown.

This is a great beginner to intermediate level of trail. Plenty of twists and turns, moderate climbing. The best part is that the trail takes you around the lake and in the fall, the colors and the lake are stunning.

I was staying with a friend in north Indy so this was about an hour to get to the park. Worth the ride especially considering it is a 10 mile loop. If you feel strong, do it twice.

I can see that this trail would stay wet for several days. It is quite a dense forest. Some of the valleys and bridges offer great scenery in the forest.

Take water, tubes, pump, and any other essentials. There is nothing else out there except, trees, trails and great scenery.

Recommended Route:
There is only one route and that is the 10 mile loop around the lake.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Town Run in North Indy.

Review Date
July 21, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: fischdaddy ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is my first summer riding in Indiana, (I am a transplant from WI), and I have made a once a month date with Westwood because of how much fin it ISN'T to ride this trail. Three words to describe this trail would be work, work, work. Unless you are world class you won't find yourself saying "WEEEEEE" very often, but when you are finished, and back at the crib you will feel like you earned that beer in your hand (or case in your fridge). It is rather pricey, and can be secluded at times, so bring an extra tube, and some friends. If you pay your dues trudging through Westwood now and then you will appreciate the warp-speed nature of Town Run (AKA 96th Street), and you will ride with that sense of "hard core entitlement" that we all love to have. I'm not saying that Westwood is all lame and no game, but bring lots of water, and even more patience because you will need both. It is only worth the drive if you bring along some cronies and or homies to split the gas and the pass, otherwise ride at your own risk Warbucks. Lastly, look at the recent weather, this trail like to stay wet for a while after a rain, just because the park opens the trail, doesn't mean it should be ridden, treat momma earth with some love and she'll love you back my brothers and sisters.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Town Run Trail (AKA 96th Street)

Review Date
May 17, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: indygreg ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Drove out from NE side of Indy today to ride. Not sure it was worth it. Well, at $4 a gallon, and $4.50 to get in I know it was not.

It is scenic in areas, that is for sure. It is a nice setting, not very crowded, etc. The trail is just okay IMHO. Lots of climbing, which I liked and which is hard to find in central IN. However, I just felt like you were never paid back for it . . . not a lot of areas to use gravity as your friend. So much of the trail has about 4' of visibility so it would take many passes to gain much confidence at all. You have no idea of what is next.

The open (non forest) areas are terrible. Like a 1" rut surrounded by grass. If it is mildly wet that spells trouble.

Bottom line: It is a good workout ride. It teaches climbing and it has a ton of tight turns. If this is what you like, it is good for you. If you like some speed, this trail is not for you. Now I am fairly tentative and others (especially when all the trail is fully dry) would clearly be faster than I went, but this is a very slow trail compared to 96th in Indy.

It is long, which is nice. The bad side is there are few places to stop if you want to rest for a moment and there is no way for lesser riders to take a short route, which is not ideal to attract riders.

Review Date
February 22, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: woodencigars ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Westwood Park....
The trail is now ten miles long completely circling the 180 acre lake. The trail was completed in 2006 and features several bridges across fingers of the lake. The path is one way going counter-clockwise around the lake. Several log jumps are in the trail that offer a good challenge to those who are advanced in their riding skills. The single track path offers a wide variety of hills and valleys with plenty of tight high growth areas in the summer. However, some great views of the lake are also supplied along the path. The area is full of wild life including deer, coyotes, cranes, herrons and beavers. The trail is intermediate to advanced riding. Many of the obstacles can be walked over by beginners. One loop around the lake is usually an hour to an hour and a half. All in all a great ride. $2.00 per bike and $2.50 to enter the park.

Recommended Route:
The start of the trail is south of the Trailhead parking lot. The trail ends at the Trailhead parking lot. From the parking lot ride about 200 yards south and look to the left for a mile marker 0 sign. Every mile has a mile marker on the right of the path as you ride counter-clockwise around the lake.