Reviewed by: K Hamilton , from Richmond

Summary:
I rode Douthut the day before, so I was a little tired, but the trail is very scenic and fun. I was worried I might get poison ivy because the trail is kind of brushy(constantly scrapping legs on brush), but lube up with lots of sun screen to form a protective layer. The trail has lots of sharp rocks, so carry a spare tube and pump. Great ride, but not very long. Would be good to hike as well.

Recommended Route:
I went with Mountain Rick from Lexington. We parked at Lake Robertson. We left the parking lot and took a right. We climbed about 4 miles on a gravel road until we came to the ridge.Beware of dogs about 1/3 the way up.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Douthut is great. Also there are some trails around Lake Robertson.

Reviewed by: steve , from greensboro

Summary:
Fairly well marked and easy to follow until you get to the sign at the bottom of the descent. If you go right you will come to the gravel parking area at the fireroad. If you go left you will come out at the paved road near the interstate (adds a few miles). Either way you can get back. The trail overall does not get much use and it is overgrown in places. I do recommend at least shades to save the eyeballs. We dismounted in several places to push to bike through the growth. Overall, the trail is much worth it. The descent, as you get to the ravine at the bottom, would be treacherous if it was wet. Very off camber and rooty in places. I would do this trail again if in the area.

Recommended Route:
The directions from others are good. Park off the fire road. Ride clockwise and climb up the fireroad to the trailhead.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Douthat

Reviewed by: Mike O'D. , from J. C., TN

Summary:
I think I logged about 14(?) miles. It seems best to park near the entrance to Longdale, turn right on the highway to begin the long climb to the singletrack. The last time I was here I surprised a bear(!) on the super-fast downhill, actually very close to recreation area. This ride is a must if you're nearby or passing through.

Recommended Route:
Great directions in Jim Parham's VA "
Off The Beaten Track" guidebook

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Douthat

Reviewed by: slip_kid , from Charlottesville,VA

Summary:
This is purported to be one of the best rides in the state of Virginia? Okay, the views along the ridge line are spectacular. Ride it once when things will be in spring bloom or during the fall colors and take a camera. However, once you get past the rock outcropping referred to as Pete's Cave, prepare to get shredded (this is a bad thing)... The trail is often overgrown to the point where you don't even have a bar width. Wear something long. After the trail drops off the ridge line and starts its descent to the bottom the brush stops being a problem. It's a fun single track down hill with some nice scenery and some off-camber/technical bits. I only wish it had been longer. After you hit the fire road at the bottom you've got a fair amount to go but a lot of the excitement is gone. The view from the top is admittedly great. The trail itself is okay, but I think the Big Levels/Sherando & Douthat trails are better.

Recommended Route:
I'd recommend following the directions given here to make a loop out of it... We followed some *terrible* directions in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine to make it a point to point ride. It'd be much better as a loop with the warm up climb.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Sherando Lake area

Reviewed by: Stephen Gabris , from Vienna, VA

Summary:
Once you find the trailhead get read for some real fun. The trail is very narrow in places so if its not too warm I would suggest long clothing if you like to keep your skin. Its maybe 4 miles of awesome ridin and scenery to the staircase. I stopped many times to check out the amazing views. The staircase is a good place to explore around the rocks. Once past that and after a quick decent there is a sharp right turn that is easy to miss but the tree blazes help. Then get ready for fast and dangerous downhill, at least 2 or 3 miles of it. The trail was slippery near the bottom and I almost plunged into the ravine a couple times but its a great downhill. I think its a right turn at the signs at the bottom that takes you back to the parking lot. Its a good distance though. I went left (the wrong way)but found the parking area eventually. Total trail length around 12 miles. Polish up that frame, grease up that fork and get out there, it rules!

Recommended Route:
The other reviewers left good directions so just follow them. The parking area is on the right about 1 mile up the fire road. From there about a 3 mile climb to the T-section, not too steep but a good workout.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Douthat State park, Carvins Cove