Reviewed by: N8 , from S'port, La

Summary:
This trail does have it all. A great trail to learn about mountain biking and a great trail for the advanced rider to refine skills (because you need a little bit of everything on this trail). When the trail is dry (late spring and summer months) a good lap speed is 40-45 minutes. However, when it is wet... it will take you over an hour and a half of hell to make it. I recommend you take a chain tool just incase too for all contitions.

Recommended Route:
Follow directions others have given on here...

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ruston, Bodcau, The Monkey Trail (Eddie B Jones Park), Bistineau...

Reviewed by: Chris Clemmons , from Bossier City

Summary:
Good trails for all levels. Watch the old bomb craters out there. I'm currently sattioned at an airbase in Turkey but will be heading back to Barksdale in Jan. I have been here for two years and prior to that I was at Barksdale 10 years. Along with a friend of mine we created the trails you folks are riding on now at Barksdale. I am so glad you guys like them. There is also a trail on the other side of the new housing on the East side which is about 9 miles long. We had it pretty much rode in before I left. When I get back I will be glad to show you. Once again I'm glad my trails are being used. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Recommended Route:
Both the short and long trails.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ruston, Caney

Reviewed by: Joseph , from Shreveport

Summary:
Good beginner trail but not very challenging.

Recommended Route:
All of it

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Caney Lake, Ruston

Reviewed by: Todd , from Bossier City, LA

Summary:
The Big Tree Hiking Trail as it is known in the conservation office is a hidden treasure for Shreveport and Bossier City. Those without access to the base have to drive at least 20 minutes to get to Bodcau Bayou, 45 to get to Caney Lakes, 1 hour to Ruston, or 1.5 hours to get to Tyler, so having a trail on base is ideal for those who work there. In general, when the trail is dry it is phenomenal and your speed is limited only by you. The summer months are bug-filled, so be prepared to steer with one hand because you will be using the other to get the horse and deer flies off you. The trail has several sections that are very low-lying and hold water for several days after a good rain, so I recommend steering clear unless it's been a couple of days since the rain.
This trail has it all: tough climbs, singletrack, fire roads, a little sand, and screaming descents that will have you grinning ear to ear. It offers a lot of options in that it has a 6.5 and 3.3 mile loop, which can be mixed and matched to give you what you're looking for. After you've mastered it going forward, ride it backward. It's a whole new trail. After riding this trail for almost three years, each time I ride it backwards I am hard-pressed to even know where I am since it rides and looks THAT different!
The trail is versatile enought to accomodate all skill levels. There may be one or two places a beginner may have to dismount due to tought climbs or steep descents, but a beginner can definitely work their way through this trail and have a good time doing it. More intermediate and advanced riders can have a blast starting the old stopwatch to see how fast you can blaze it, and there are several downhills that offer up some big air on the way down.
Bottom line, something for everyone, and if you're in town visiting or are a local resident and don't have access to the base, email me and we can try to set up a time to get you out there to enjoy what the base has to offer. Happy trails......

Recommended Route:
As soon as the pavement ends with Flag Lake on your left, pull off to the right in the grass near the port'o'potty and park. In the summer get your bike off the rack quick and get riding or the horseflies will eat you alive. The trail begins about 100 yards down the dirt road to your right. It will take you down a fire road that will turn left onto a bayou boardwalk constructed above the swamp. 3/4 of a mile into the trail is a short uphill that will leave you screaming for air if it's been awhile since you've ridden. At the top of the hill the trail crosses a fire road. There is a sign that points to a short trail (left) and the long trail (straight ahead and downhill). The short trail proceeds on the fire road about .4 miles and turns left at the end into singletrack. The short trail is approximately 3.3 miles and is good if you've only got time for a quickie, or you can ride the long trail (6.5) and tack on the short trail at the end to give you a nice 10 mile trip. The long trail takes anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour depending on your skill level. The trails are easy to follow with blue metal disks nailed in the trees with a picture of a hiker on it. There are also "Global Volksmarch" signs along the way. The trail provides about 14 points of interest along the way if you're out for a Sunday afternoon easy ride. The long trail meets up with the short trail at around the 5 mile mark.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, LA