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Black Bear
13 reviews
4.31 of 5
Once turning off of the fire rd, Black bear has incredible single track, from winding, to rocky technical, to rocky, rooty downhill, 2 or 3 switchbacks, definitely for the advanced rider, or at least the brave intermediate!!! Definitely a local favorite
From I64 or I79, go to 119 South to oakwood rd, and follow signs to Kanawha State Forest, once in forest, take Middle Ridge trail to Top of hill to Black Bear (good aerobic 6mile or so climb on non technical fire road)
Summary: black bear is great place for up coming wanna be downhillers. the climbs are definetly not for the weak hearted. the trails are nice and very well kept. lots of technical single track . i recomend riding in early fall . summer has a high humidty
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Summary: Camped at Kanawha State Forest, and rode all over the park. Enjoyed Black Bear immensly.
Black Bear is a fast technical descent. Drops in with a steep switch back and the berms around into a rock garden. The Falls was a fun re-route, with a root over-hang that drops you into a washout rooty steep trail that looks more difficult than it actually is. Let off the brakes and trust your line. Fun ripping trail! We rode it about 7 times in one day. Up / Down = repeat.
Note: Watch out for break pump.
Recommended Route: From the camp site take the boundry road up to Middle Ridge Road and head towards front of park. There will be a sign about a mile up.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Teaberry Rock Trail , Wildcat, Polecat, Ballard and of course the Expert DH (aka Trail of Death)
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Review Date October 20, 2003
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 4 of 5
Technical Difficulty 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Dave
,
Weekend Warrior
Summary: This is the freakin scariest thing on earth. Don't ride without full body armor and several years of experience
Recommended Route: Anything to avoid
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Review Date March 21, 2002
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Gary Lunsford
, from Batesville, Indiana
Summary: I grew up in Ironton, Ohio and love riding around the tri-state area. Some of the best trial riding to be had is this area. Black Bear stills sticks out in my mind as a challenging ride. Dont know what else to say about it except I really enjoyed riding there and would do so again given the opportunity.
Recommended Route: I did the Black Bear 40K race years ago and thought it was an incredibly fun trail. One of the wildest races I have ever rode. I dont know which trails we covered but the mile or two of riding a creek bed with a foot of water in it and grapefruit sized rocks under the water was a real teeth rattling fun time.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Hanging Rock , Ohio
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Review Date February 8, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a month
Reviewed by: sugareater
, from WV
Summary: It's simple math, any climb to get you to the top of the Bear is at least 2 miles, the trail is 1/2 mile long... This trail is freaky steep, and freaky technical. Lots of roots, rocks, and due to massive use, some deep chutes. This trail changes with the weather, but you'll find your way to the bottom. The kids from Cincinatti need to stay out of the mountains. You run a good chance of leaving some skin on the trail, but it's a small price to pay. Try the high line on Spectater Falls(nastiest part of the trail)
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4.31 of 5
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