Reviewed by: joe , from Linden

Summary:
Trail has been closed to bicycles because idiots road the AT.

Recommended Route:
none

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Go to Elizabeth Furnace

Reviewed by: Out of Bounds , from Warrenton

Summary:
This trail is a quick 45 minute to 60 minute climb followed by going down. In the horse country of the piedmont, the 'horsepeople' have really smoothed out the climb by extensive trail work. Climb and climb past the AT. Turn right at top and go down the trail that is furhter north past the radio towers. Fast downhill, a few ruts and rocks, smooth singletrack and you are back. There is also another short trail around the stocked pond. A nice uphill workout. There are other trails in the area, but you would need to reference a map b/c they are not easily described. Don't mess with the horses - if there is confrontation with bikes the rich virginia gentlemen land owners will get you kicked off the trail. Lots of hunters when in season. If you drove this far from DC continue to better riding down 66 to Elizabeth furnace, otherwise it is not worth the drive unless you want a quick and steep climb followed by a quicker descent. I give it a three: not difficult, but every long climb followed by a fast downhill is still fun.

Recommended Route:
This is actually the G.Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and is frequented by Hunters (during season) and Horseback riders. The peuk climb described above followed by retracing your route down is 'not' the prefferred route. Take Rt. 688 past the first WMA parking on left, drive up a hill and then down a hill. On left notice the trout pond and take next left into parking lot. From parking lot climb up to pond and turn right crossing the 'land' dam. Across damn notice that their is a trail going right and left. Go left (you'll descend on right) for the easier route to the top. Follow to top passing AT on right w/ no horses sign. At top there is another trail skirting the AT which will put you on a washed out fireroad/singletrack down exiting at the dam.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Elizabeth Furnace is better - keep driving.

Reviewed by: Charles Bukowski , from Washington DC

Summary:
prepare to use your granny gear as it is a non-stop climb to the parking lot at the top of this out and back trail. the climb is obnoxiously steep at points but well worth it as you bomb back down everything you pedaled up. after crossing a small stream the ride up starts off as a series of tight switchbacks through tall grass and thorns that will catch you on the way down. the trail then opens up to some single track and eventually becomes a fire road after you pass the appalachian trail. tighten up your suspension for the slow ride up but make your bike plush for the super fast descent. you will have tears streaming out the side of your eyes and a smile on you face when you reach the bottom

Recommended Route:
start at the parking lot and go up then down than back up than back down then head to cracker barrell for some great country cooking

Reviewed by: Jason , from DC

Summary:
Warning during summer too overgrown with brush and prickers.

Recommended Route:
Straight 2.5 miles up then down. Going up from the parking lot, cross stream and climb, climb, climb vomit, climb, stretch legs, climb.
When you get near the top you can cross the at. head to the right to see the shelter .1 mile from Markham trail. Good place to drink and have a snack after the vomitfest climb. Resume climb which ends at a parking lot. Rest and get ready for the DH. It should take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to get to the top depending on how conditioned you are. The downhill takes about 15 minutes. Do this once or twice then bike to the Naked Mountain vineyard .5 miles up route 688 for some good wine and cheese.