Review Date
May 30, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: scottb70435 ,  Racer

Summary:
Well...this trail was well worth the drive from New Orleans. It's about an 11 mile loop with twisty singletrack, hammerific jeep roads and plenty enough climbing to keep you honest. Don't take the girlfriend (or boyfriend for you hardcore ladies) or you'll hear some complaining. A few nice jumps are speckled through the loop for your enjoyment.

The first couple of miles is fast and tight but pretty bumpy. Some roots as well but nothing too bad for the root haters. The next 3-8 miles or so are a mix of fast jeep roads, climbing singletrack and tight switchback type turns with sharp uphills. Fun and challenging I think. Could get old for some people but a great chance to improve handling. The final 8-11 (all miles approximated) is more climbing and a bit on the technical side with more of the switchback type turns and a few of the granny gear stuff if you're not trying to race it.

A park worker (Doug) was very helpful and informative. Good guy. Downside is that the park closes at 5p.m., even on the weekends and even in the summer so I guess there's not enough staff or riders or something but that seemed unfortunate to say the least. We got riding about 3p.m. so 2 hours was worth the trip.

Thank you to all who volunteer time to trail maintenance.

Recommended Route:
From South Louisiana it's a straight shot from I-55 travelling north to Jackson, MS and from Jackson take I-20 West through Shreveport. The rest is a blur but we got specific directions from the other reviews.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston. This trail is fast and fun with some cool downslopes (a personal favorite) and I was pulling for it to be better than Monkey Trail but can't do it. Monkey Trail wins.

Review Date
December 26, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 1 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: explorer21 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I am a beginner. This was the second time I have ever ridden a trail. I can't say much about technical aspects of the trail except that there were a lot of turns and very narrow sections (trees right on the edge of the trail)...difficult for beginners to maneuver through. Not to mention several parts (esp in the first third of the trail) that take you right along the edge of a drop-off!

All in all, the trail would have been pretty fun but my riding partner was more of a beginner than I was and ended up hike-a-biking most of the time. Ouch. We did about 7 miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Review Date
April 25, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: The SS Boz ,  Racer

Summary:
Shorts steep climbs/decents with several 180 degree switchbacks are the most memorable features.......well taken care of trail and excellent trailhead facilities. Be sure to look out for LOCOfest which is the race / Fest that just took place there.......great local sponsorship of event. Lots of schwag baby, yeahhhhh.

Recommended Route:
Only one way it seems....follow red signs or green "shortcuts"

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ruston, LA

Review Date
September 30, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: bigmike13 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Tough trail, momentum killer (for me anyway). short downhills, very twisty, lots of switchbacks. Good technical trail. I felt like it had too many sharp switchbacks, i couldn't seem to get any momentum going. Short steep downhills quickly followed by short steep climbs.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Bodcau, Ruston

Review Date
June 27, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: bikingdude ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
liked the design,lots of twist and turns,great job on the hills.Look forward to going back

Recommended Route:
red

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The one in Ruston