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Alum Creek Trail Phase 1
14 reviews
3.79 of 5
Alum Creek Trail Phase 1 is a rolling 6 mile, single track course that offers short climbs with small obstacles, creek crossing and bridges. Many new re-routes have been constructed to reduce the muddy trail conditions that stayed long after a rain. Still allow three days after a rainfall to allow proper drying time. This trail is used extensively and receives between 200 and 400 users per week during the summer. Night riding is permitted until 11:00pm. Seasonal closing does occur from March 1st to May 15th.
Summary: I road the alum creek advanced mtb trail for the first time yesterday and here are my first impressions. From a technical viewpoint the trail rates about average in difficulty. There is nothing that an experienced rider will come upon that is going to be very challenging. That being said, the trail system is well put together with many nice creek crossings followed by short uphill climbs. The length of the trail varies in length depending on which source you use. I'm not sure of the length but there is a good deal of trail that if ridden several
times in a loop either way will make a good ride whatever your ride level. I will also address the mud issue since I feel that this place has been in my opinion mis represented in prior reviews as a mud pit.
On the day I rode which came right after a day and a half of rain, the trail was 80% free of mud. Were there muddy area's?, yes, but I have ridden few places that didn't have muddy areas even in the height of summer. On the other hand, common sense should tell you that in the late fall if it has been wet or early spring if there has been a lot of snow and the temp warms up real fast, most trails are going to be muddy and you should use common sense in deciding to ride. Might be a good day to take to the road bike instead of damaging the trails. Over all if you like good singletrack riding and don't mind the lack of extreme downhill tech stuff then alum creek is worth the drive.
Recommended Route: see the other reviews
Other recommended trails in the same area: Tar hollow state park just south east of Columbus area. Lots of area to explore in the hocking hills region east of route 23.
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Summary: These trails are very interesting. It really is amazing to see what these people can do in central ohio. DON'T ride them when they're wet. You will not only ruin the trails but hate biking for the rest of your life
Recommended Route: follow the orange signs with black arrows on them.
Other recommended trails in the same area: i dont think there are any others
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Summary: I was never at Alum Creek in the bad days, but current trail system is very good, with some challenge. If the trail is really muddy, guess what don't ride it. That's just way Ohio is. The day I rode was dry and fast. I like the bridges and other man made items. Nothing to fault with this trail. Trail builders did a good job and I will go back again.
Recommended Route: Can't say. Only been there one time.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Lake Hope, West Branch, AEP and of course the illegal stuff.
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Summary: Please, please, please don't ride here when it's muddy. it will make you hate off road biking. i'm from SLC, and i'm used to riding in the snow, hail, rain, you name it.
but, i rode this one when it hadn't rained for a week (but in february), and it nearly made me give up biking altogether.
now, in utah, i could easily do 7 miles w/ 2000feet of vertical in under an hour. this little, flat, 6 mile loop took me 2.5 hours, and that's with 2 short cuts. i'd get the pedals around twice, then have to stop and clear the mud off.
arrrrrgh. it's a shame. i'll go back when it's dry, and i know i'll love it. the mud is just miserable though.
i think next time it is muddy (if i'm stupid enough to try it again in the mud), i'll take my cyclocross bike and see if the thinner tires make it possible to break the 2 hour barrier :)
it's tough to be a biker and in central Ohio. once it warms up and dries out, i have a feeling this trail will save me. beautiful trail, just too easy (flat).
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Review Date November 6, 2003
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 2 of 5
Technical Difficulty 2 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: fischman
,
Weekend Warrior
Summary: This trail should be called "Mud Creek" I'm not normally a fair weather rider, bu you'd think there wouldn't be mud-up-to-your-axles a full week after the last rain--in October no less!
Three fourths of the outer loop (which is where the best riding is) is bordered by highway or new housing developments, so forget about getting away from it all here. Yes, there is some great riding in the relatively dry spots, but the overall mud factor is way too high. Most other trails dry out faster, even here in Ohio.
Recommended Route: If you are further south, try Ceasar Creek
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3.79 of 5
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