Review Date
October 5, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: scout6 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This was my first time on this trail. I'd heard lots of stories - wet leaves, slippery roots. I guess I chose a good day. It was GREAT! Challenging sections, smooth flowy sections, great scenery. Well marked, and well designed with loops to make the trail longer or shorter. I went around the whole way and it was great! I was riding a geared full suspension Niner - I think a great choice for this trail. While this was my first time it will certainly not be my last. I'm thinking now - when can I go back? MORE is doing a great job!

Recommended Route:
Go through all the loops - it's a great trail.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Wakefield, Accotink

Review Date
June 4, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: cesper ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I started riding fountainhead about 9 years ago on my $500 hardtail. It totally kicked my ass, but for some reason I kept wanting to come back for more. The final climb out to the parking lot always leaves me feelin' satisfied, whether it's one loop or two, rigid SS'er or 6-inch bike.

Alot could, and has been said about this place and I think the best part about this trail is the rhythm and flow. It took me a couple of years to learn that you have to really hit the downhills fast to keep your speed up for the uphills, and push a higher gear. Another thing it will teach you is to hammer straight out of the gate. The first few hills hit you pretty hard, but after that you can find your groove. I agree with the previous poster, a heavy freeride/allmtn. bike is a little much, but considering how close this place is to the metro area, I'll take it. I think I've ridden every trail worth riding within 100 miles of fairfax, and this remains a favorite.

Being a MTB only trail is also a huge plus for me, especially after living in Phoenix the past year, where the trails are always crowded.

Recommended Route:
The whole thing, although in the last few years they added a short loop that goes down close by the water. It's pretty choppy and kind of uneventful, so I usually skip it.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The usual.

Review Date
February 26, 2009

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: one incredible donkey ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Bike used: 2006 Transition Preston FR

I have lived in northern Virginia for about 3.5 years and after hearing so many fantastic things about this place I finally got out today to give it a go. Unfortunately I was pretty unimpressed. I guess it's good for a masochistic cross-country rider who doesn't mind climbing only to get to flat ground, but I like a good reward after a climb and I didn't feel satisfied but only a couple times. I was expecting "Shockabilly Hill" to be some long and brutal technical downhill but all I got was a short and steep descent.

It's nice and technical, and has a good amount of roots and rocks. Unfortunately most of them are on flat sections of trail, which does nothing but sap energy and slow you down.

I was reading on the MORE forums that they're considering implementing some freeride features and that might bring me out again but as it is I will ride places like Patapsco where you're at least going to get some good downhill out of a climb.

Recommended Route:
I guess the main loops?

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Wakefield, Accotink

Review Date
August 3, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: fensterm ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Awesome trail. MORE has done well with Fountainhead. It's one-way, so you don't have to worry about crashing into people. Rooty, rocky singletrack that is best for intermediate to advanced riders. Plenty of difficult climbs and fun downhills.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Schaeffer, Patapsco

Review Date
March 20, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Jwiffle ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I love Fountainhead. I miss living only 3 miles from the place, so now I only get back every couple months instead of at least once a week.

Anyway, it's a great system. A mountain bike only trail, it is made by mtbers for mtbers; MORE has done a nice job with the place! Numerous short steep climbs (only one I haven't managed on a singlespeed, though I've done it on a gearie), roots are plentiful, a few small rockgardens. All of the trail is ridable, though those of lesser skill or stamina may wonder how. The trail caters to just about anyone. I often take my rigid singlespeed, but if I want to be able to push it faster, I take the full suspsension. And shockabilly (or the more difficult alternate route) provides something for those who like something a little more extreme (they're great fun!). And I was very surprised last fall to find teeters! I'd have never thought MORE would allow TTFs on their systems; and a couple of logs turned into skinnies! another great surprise. So, now a challenge for everyone! I like it!

Recommended Route:
Trail is one directional, so you're required to go the recommended route. Although I believe some races that are held there go in reverse from time to time (and, of course, if you're the only one there you could get away with a ride in reverse--I have never tried it that way, but others tell me reverse is more fun than forward).

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Accotink, Wakefield.

Want some truly epic riding? Head westward to Elizabeth's Furnace/Fort Valley area.

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