Review Date
June 12, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: braider33 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Nothing new to report. My main reason for posting a review is to thank the crew at woodnwave.com. After planning on driving from Clarksville, TN the night before, I was pissed to wake up to thunder storms at 1:30am. Figuring my trip was a wash I was less than pleased. I decided to check the website because it was mentioned that they update trail status daily and sure enough, Eddyville hadn't received much rain and they said the trails were fine. 80 miles later I arrived to find out they were in fact rideable.

Recommended Route:
Road the loop beginning at the North Welcome Center as recommended. From there you just make sure you're seeing blue marker strips on trees and you know you're headed the right way. Lots of cool terrain. Encountered a couple snakes on the trail but they were quickly bi-passed. Worth the drive and I plan on making it a monthly trip or so.

Review Date
May 25, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: MtnSpectre ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Camped at Nickel Branch which was convient because the trail was only 100 meters from my tent. Rode it counter-clock wise from there. The first 6 miles was fast and open. The trail flowed and not tight. It's been a while since I've seen a trail like that. I really enjoyed it. At mile 6 is where the hills started coming. I'm a firm believer in "You gotta go up to come down". The loop brought me around to the welcome center where I found another trail that took me to the loop again. I rode toward the welcome center again and got on the north south trail. Found my way back to the welcome center and crossed over the Trace for the last few miles of the trail. I put in about 17 miles on the trails. Like the previous poster said. There are obstacles that are easily bypassed if you aren't feeling up to them. They are fun though. I'm sure I would have ridden 12 miles if I didn't get onto the north south trail. There are other riders and hikers on the trail so beware.

Recommended Route:
I enjoyed counter-clock wise but I could see the fun of going either way.

Review Date
December 21, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Ace_Brown43 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The Canal Loop has changed some in the past few years. It is getting more technical as time and traffic has taken it's toll. More roots are exposed and some rocky sections have developed. Also there are more and more technical features sich as water bars (really jumps), log rides, etc. Sure it is still rated as a beginner trail as there are go arounds for the harder features so it can be easily ridden by all but the newest newbie. It is one of those trails where speed makes all the difference. At speed the trail can be blazing fast and the fun factor shoots up. Just be careful of other riders and hikers who use the trail mostly on nice fall and spring days.

Recommended Route:
Usually ridden counter clockwise starting at the North Welcome Station parking lot but it can be enjoyed in either direction. There are connectors that cross from the the east and west sides of the trail whic can add variety to the trail and extend your ride. Next time try doing a figure 8 using one of the connectors.

Please do not ride these trails when wet. Riding here is a privledge, not a right. LBL often closes the trail when conditions get bad.

Current trail conditions can be found at www.woodnwave.com

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The North/South rtrail is open to mountain biking from Golden Pond Visitor Center to the North Welcome Station, 31 miles of nearly continous singletrack.

There are two races held here: The White Lightning held in the spring on the Canal Loop and the Bald Eagle Challenge, a long point-to-point race done on the North/South in the fall.

Review Date
March 9, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Cabin Fever ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This trail is some of the most well-manicured singletrack i've ever ridden. the local riders who maintain it really see it as their baby, and it shows. it seemed to have to "sections" - roughly half the trail is super mega-flowing singletrack that will leave you grinning but not aching. the other half or so is a little more technical, with a few more hills and rocks. nothing too crazy. if you do it counter clockwise, you'll hit the technical stuff first. this trail is like a good prostitute - it take much from you, and afterwards you feel completely a totally satisfied. the saying "no pain, no gain" does not apply here.

Recommended Route:
counter clockwise - you'll hit the technical stuff first this way; it just seems to flow better, almost as if it were designed to be ridden this direction. don't worry though, no matter what way you ride it, you'll be grinning.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Barkley

Review Date
August 11, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: Stonemsu ,  Racer

Summary:
This is a great trail for all types of riders. Its actually located in at the Northern Tip of Land Between the Lakes in Grand Rivers, KY. The total loops is 11.56 miles. The Barkley Lake side is less difficult with very mild climbing. Once you cross under the canal bridge at mile 6 you begin the Kentucky Lake side. This side is pretty much up and down with some medium long fairly steep climbs. Overall this is some very fast singletrack that is always in great shape. This trail drains heavy rain very well so its never very wet.
If your interested in a longer point to point ride check out the North/South Trail. It runs 31 miles south to Jenny Ridge. Make sure and stop in the Wood N Wave bike shop in Grand Rivers to get details and possibly hook up with a partner.

Recommended Route:
You can ride it either way. Several connectors to make it as short as you want. You can't get lost. Each connector crosses the main road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lake Barkley State Park. Near Cadiz and completely different terrain than the canal loop. More technical and full of lung busting climbs. Awesome trail!!