Review Date
March 28, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: dudecolby ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
My brother and I (19 and 23 respectively) grew up just a couple miles away on a back road near the trail head. The two of us ride with a friend of ours, averging once a week in the summer, almost exclusively this trail, and never get tired of it(me with a stiffy GT Telera, haha). It is rocky and technical like everyone has said. The log piles look scary but are easier and more fun than they look. It is a full body workout though. We like to think we're tough for surviving this trail, but haven't ridden anywhere else, except Kennerdale, to really compare. My brother laughs about how much easier Kennerdale is. Fun story, our 54 year old dad has done this trail on his 25 year old heavy cushioned seat comfort bike. he walked a lot of it, but even he was excited to come back and ride again! lol.

Some additions are being added to the trail, they look technical but pretty exciting.

The trail maintenance guys do a nice job, and we're hoping to connect with them some time this summer to help them out.

Review Date
June 9, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Shiva ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
They weren't kidding when they said it was rocky. It makes the rocks gardens at seven springs seem like a paved road, it makes the trails at Apollo seem just a little "bumpy."

I have a 5x5 bike, and riding downhill over the rocks was a lot of fun. Going uphill if you don't have the speed, or dont' know the trails (or both in my case)you will have to get off your bike numerous times to push over the rocks. Some really cool log crossings that look a lot harder than they are.

Overall, I had trouble with route finding (perhaps because of recent trail maintenance or recent fallen trees?) and it wasn't very long. If your looking for technical, rocky, unique experience, give it a try.

Review Date
August 11, 2005

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Gears ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This trail can be the most grueling 7 miles you will ever ride. It is super technical the ENTIRE ride. There are no huge hills just short up and downs. It gets pretty buggy in the summer and there can be a lot of thorns on the power line section. The park service and your tax dollars have put a ton of work into this trail and it has really improved since I used to ride it in the mid 1990's. I am rating it as a 3 due to the poor sceenery, bugs, thorns, and other better trails within 1 hour of Pittsburgh. Get out there and ride it.

Recommended Route:
Follow the trail

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Kennerdale, Minister Creek, Riverview Park

Review Date
July 26, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Rob-Bob ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is a very technical track with a nice mix of ups and downs. The trail maintenance group has done alot of work to keep this trail in the shape that it is in. There are alot of rock sections and some very large log crossings (take a look at some of these before attempting them, some of them are a little sketchy). Overall this is a very fun trail with enough variety to keep you on your toes.

Recommended Route:
Start at trailhead and follow the loop. (a map is available at the park office)

Review Date
February 14, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months