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.

Review Date
September 1, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: scaplener ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
i just moved to Great Falls, VA from the Santa Cruz (CA) area. ok, so i'm a bit jaded from Cali trails, but this was a NICE surprise. i rode it this morning, doing all the loops, and i feel mighty nice sitting here with a scotch right now. pooped. i actually felt i could get away from the 'east coast population density factor' on this ride. i chilled on the edge of lake, watched snakes and birds and turtles do their daily business. i saw two riders on the 2 hour loop (about 7 miles), and one of them had a flat. the one way rides make for nice speedy sections, easy to push your limits or just go right to the edge of them. if you want to hammer, turn it up a notch, and the trail provides. if you want to kick back, just granny gear and chill. i will be riding this one regularly, and cannot wait to come again.

Recommended Route:
all the loops are sweet. loved the mini teeter-totters.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
difficult run

Review Date
April 18, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: cowboynj ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I live in Northern NJ and am generally disappointed when I travel south and ride. This place is pretty sweet. In fact, this place kicked my fat arse. I rode the 7 mile loop with some very hospitable local folks. I found the terrain varied and the climbs excellent. I was formerly of the opinion that FS was unnecessary in Northern Virginia. Go ride this place.

Recommended Route:
One route...one way...I think

Review Date
November 12, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: mtbiker033 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Well planned and well maintained trails. The area is very hilly at the shore of the Occoquan Reservoir. It has a nice balance of climbs and descents and rolling ridge riding with switchbacks. It is very challenging! It was my first time to Fountainhead and I was lucky enough to hook up with someone who new the trails very well and let me tag along (thans Mike!). At one point into the trail they had a few cool obstacles like a teeder/totter and a narrow log bridge.

You would have to drive a long way out of the NOVA area to find any trails as good as these in Fountainhead.

Recommended Route:
I rode the red trail and we did a 6 mile ride on it.

Review Date
August 25, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: konakruzer ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I recently moved to the Fairfax area from upstate NY, and found out about this trail thru mtbr.com. I'm definitely glad I found it, but I'm also looking for something else to "cut my teeth" on. Wakefield is so-so, and Quantico won't let you on their trail unless you have permission. So I've been "stuck" riding Fountainhead for the past month. My first trip kicked my ass; there are definitely some serious climbs for those that are not in the best shape. The more I rode the trail, the less I had to walk my bike. I now look at this trail as a fun training ride. There are definitely some tricky DH sections (lots of rocks and roots), but nothing too crazy. I would like to thank MORE for a very well kept trail system! Thanks!

Recommended Route:
there's only one way to start and one way to end; you'll see it from the parking lot.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Wakefield for beginners or a change of pace.