Review Date
June 12, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: ctwfo ,  Racer

Summary:
I was up from Alabama so I decided to ride this trail and loved it. Its in an old growth boy scout camp with some amazing huge trees. I love riding in thick woods. The trail has several options so I rode all of them. It is fast and flowing. There is no hills just rollers. The trail has been marked but it looks like someone has torn some of the markers down so if you just stay to the right you should be fine. Fun trail and very cool area by the lake.

Recommended Route:
ALL

Review Date
July 30, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Bigbadsteve ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I have heard many good things about Winona Lake, so I was anxious to check it out. It is easy to see why people like this trail. Some tough, technical sections, tight wooded sections, open fields, and fast runs-this trail has it all!
PROS: Offers something for just about everyone, well maintained, family friendly(that is, there are also non-mtb activities available-shops, paved paths, a beach, etc.), flows nicely.
CONS: A few confusing spots(looks like someone vandalized a few of the markers), busy(I am all for people getting out and riding, but there were a number of people with no clue about trail etiquette. One slow, blue jean wearing group wouldn't let me pass and I nearly got ran over by someone who was riding the trail backwards and flying down one of the bigger hills), a few of the downhills have gotten pretty rutted up.
OVERALL: It's a bit out of the way, but worth the trip! A couple of spots on the main trail are a bit tricky for novices, but the toughest(red) sections can be bypassed.

Recommended Route:
Remember the red arrows are the difficult sections. However, it's worth stopping to take a look at them. Some of them are pretty tricky, but a few of them are fairly beginner friendly.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Potato Creek, Rum Village

Review Date
May 30, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: STACKBARREL ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Wow! If you like wooded single track, this is Heaven! I rode this for the first time today after hearing a lot of good things about it. This is the funnest piece of trail I have been on. Very well maintained.

Aerobic Difficulty Rating... Well, the faster you ride, the better the work out.
Technical Difficulty Rating... Enough to keep you on your toes in the "Red" sections.

Recommended Route:
Hit all the "RED" arrow sections, especially "Black and Blue"... Then change your shorts....

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Imagination Glen in Portage. It's about 1 1/2hrs West....

Review Date
September 17, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: richeyr ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I rode this trail for the first time this summer and by far it is the best trail I have ridden in Indiana. Not a lot of climbing. However, the layout and the optional jumps make this trail a lot of fun. This is a trail that is worth a 2 hour drive from Indy. I can't wait to go back. Some trail are very technical, but for the most part the trails are intermediate level single track.

Recommended Route:
On the trail, on my bike.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Nothing that compares!

Review Date
August 10, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: TAR ,  Weekend Warrior , from Columbia City, IN

Summary:
Excellent network of trails, mostly well-marked. Fun stuff for all abilities. Be sure to do the creek crossing on the Southtown Loop. Lots of development has taken place here...a very thorough web of trails. Be sure to bring your bug spray. The trails get lots of use, but you still feel like you have the place to yourself. I met a few other people, and despite the occasionally fancy bikes and accessories, everyone was very friendly with no attitude. Just remember -- this is private property...it is an honor and a privelege to be able to ride here. Be kind to it.

Recommended Route:
I'm a beginner, so I stuck to the yellow and green trails (as explained on the large map at the entrance). Do the creek crossing on the Southtown Loop. Lots of wooden bridges to zip across too.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Morsches Park in Columbia City.