Review Date
October 8, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: krayg ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is what I expected mountain biking to be like when I started riding. Lots of great LONG single track climbing and fast descents. I generally ride at Fountainhead (VA), Schaeffer (MD), Elizabeth Furnace (VA) and Gambril (MD). I have to say that I prefer Douthat to all those. I wasn't able to find anything as technical as Gambril but the Blue Suck Falls at Douthat was pretty close right near the falls. It's fairly similar to EF but no fire roads.

After riding several local very hilly/rocky trails I thought I was ready for anything. I guess 4+ miles of switchbacks with no reprieve will truly test your fitness level.

Recommended Route:
Stony Run Trail to Middle Mountain to Salt Stump Trail.

The climb on Stony Run will truly test anyone's fitness level. It is long but ridable and there is definitely a pay off. The descents off Salt Stump Trail and Pine Tree are ever so pleasing.

Review Date
September 16, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: vilondon ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This place is beautiful. We weren't expecting to get our asses handed to us like we did though. We ride the toughest trails in our area and Stony Run is no joke. We made it, but are going to get into better shape and kick its ass next time. Bring your climbing lungs!!!! There are easier trails here though, and so much fun. You find out what you are made of on these trails!!!

Recommended Route:
Stony Run

Other recommended trails in the same area:
no idea, are going to hit up Charlottesville though

Review Date
April 7, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: ieyasu3 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Love this place. My wife and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary last Oct. Rented a cabin. Bonus is that they allow dogs in the cabin (we have a 12 yr. old female German Shepherd). Not many parks allow dogs.

As to the trails, the big climbs followed by ridge riding and then big downhills are what characterize this place. The lower lying trails on the west side of the park road are also good for beginner to intermediate riders.

Recommended Route:
Several recommendations:

1. Stony run falls is a fantastic climb with spectacular views. While it's an endurance challenge, it's entirely rideable so no frustrating hike-a-bike sections. I actually prefer to take the trail all the way to the top of the ridge. Take a right on the blue-blazed Middle Mountain ridge trail. From here you have a couple of options. The salty stump trail is a classic bench cut descent. Steep in sections but not too technical. Gives you access to the lower lying trails which you can take to get back to the Stony Run Falls trail head.

Another descent option is to stay on the blue-blazed Middle Mountain trail. Very fun, fast non-technical descent for the most part. Toward the end, there are very steep switchbacks. Don't be surprise if you have to get off the bike here. Eventually dumps you out on to the Smith Creek Rd. If you take a right on Smith Creek (and stay on Smith Creek) you'll get back to Douthat State Park rd. Probably about a 20 min road ride back to the park.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Carvin's Cove (but closed as of Mar. 2008 b/c of fire)

Review Date
February 3, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: doubleB ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The trails here are known to the region's riders as "mountain bike Disneyland", this is not by accident. I always look forward to trips out here to ride. The scenery is magnificent, especially in early Spring as the green velvet creeps up to the top of the mountain ranges.

Incredible trails with climbs that feel as if your bike is being pulled along by an invisible force - you'll look down and find you are in a gear twice as high as normal. Downhills are a rush.

Recommended Route:
Follow the race course route - you won't be disappointed.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Mountain Lake Conservancy Trail System
www.MtnLakeConservancy.org

Review Date
December 29, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Big Al ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The opening trail description can be misleading. There are trails here for all skill levels, but you better be able to pedal up hill for considerable distances to really enjpy your rides here.
generally the trails are in excellent shape. They are a combination of soil and shale pieces that hold up well to the elements. The trails also dry out quickly.Be prepared for extended climbs to get to the top of the mountains,for downhillers there is no way to shuttle to the top, You have to earn your reward the honest way.

Recommended Route:
The park office offers maps that show a general degree of difficulty, with milage and blaze type. They are relatively accurate. On this ride we travelled up the asphalt road to the highest point of access at Guest Lodge Trail. Follow this to the start of Mountain Top Trail, continue out Mountain Top to the great down hill on Brushy Hollow Trail.If you have time you can make a huge loop around the outer perimeter of the park.This requires 2 strong uphill climbs and 2 great downhills.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
If you can try to ride everything at Douthat while you are there.