Review Date
March 31, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: dave_n_va ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Most of the trails at Lake Maury (Gatewood) are beginner to intermediate with a few tricks for the experts (log piles, skinnies and one Evil Knivel type jump across a stream). The outer loop follows the shoreline of Lake Maury and is closer to intermediate single track because of the numerous roots and a few small steep hills. The inner loop seems to run forever with lots of fast turns that make for exciting riding that will keep you interested for many visits. Its easy to become disoriented while riding the inner loop because it's primarily flat nondescript forest with few feature - you only get a few glimpses of the lake or rail road to obtain your orientation. A map of the park can be found at http://www.gpstrailsource.com/Maps.aspx?MapID=21. This site also has some other parks as well. Does anyone know what the earth works located in the central part of the park are from (Civil War fort or reservoir or ...)? It can sometimes be hard to find parking on a Saturday morning at the Gatewood Rd parking lot - get there early and enjoy.

Recommended Route:
All of the single track is worth riding.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
New Quarter
Freedom Park
York River State Park

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Review Date
March 26, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: molume ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I've been riding this trail a lot recently. It's really nice, but It'd be sweet if there were like some signs of where trails go or a map. It's Fun to ride around on because of all the different trails. I found some huge jumps today that are right next to the XC trail. There's also a sweet balance beam right in the beginning.

Recommended Route:
None

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Harwood Mills

Review Date
March 5, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: bcstevenson ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is my absolute favorite trail. This is the first trail I ever rode. Whenever we have new riders we take them to this trail. There is different trails to ride at different skill levels. The trail is like a bob sled cousre; smooth and fun. For every uphill there is a rewarding downhill. This trail is beautiful any time of the year. This is a wonderful trail because it still has parts that require technique. This is a rider friendly trail. I absolutely love it and you will too.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
New Quarter, Freedom, Harwood Mills, and York River State Parker

Review Date
May 29, 2007

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 1 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 5 votes

Reviewed by: bigmclargehuge ,  Downhiller

Summary:
Heads up everyone, the short connector trail between the XC trail and the Dirt Jump trail has been closed due to safety concerns. There are closures at each end of the connector trail. People have taken them down and ridden around them each time I've been out there since placing them and I'm asking for your help.
Unless you are dirt jumping please stay off of the dirt jump trail. XC riders have been riding over the jumps and crushing in the lips and not fixing them afterwards. But more importantly there have been close calls with XC riders riding up the jump line while the jumps are in use.
Not trying to cause static. Just want to preserve a peaceful and safe coexistence. There's plenty of trail out there for all of us. Thanks.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ipswich. Hampton Super Track.

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Review Date
April 11, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: Big Al ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The trail at Gatewood can be ridden in several variations, but as you become more familiar you will see that it is only one trail. With a computer it measures almost 10 miles. This includes the seldom ridden trail directly behind Riverside Hospital. There are several members of the EVMA that provide maintenance on a casual basis. This is not a club sanctioned trail. Judging by the condition of the trail, more and more people continue to discover this great ride in the center of Newport News.

Recommended Route:
Start at Gatewood parking lot. When you reach the fire road turn left and cross lake. Take the first left and follow trail across two bridges. After crossing the second bridge bear to your right and follow this trail adjacent to the fire road. This is the longest section of the trail. When you reach the large ravine, turn right onto fire road turn left. Go a short distance, and make a left onto to trail. Follow till you reach the fire road again. Proceed on across the spillway and take another left. Follow this part to RT 17 and turn left thru the Kudzu. This will take you behind the Hospital. Back track after reaching the end of this section. travel across the spillway and bear to your right. This portion follows the edge of the lake back to the Gatewood P lot.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ipswitch , Freedom Park, New Quarter, York River, Upper County