Mack Ridge is typically combined with
Lion's Loop, or
Troy Built to create some type of loop. With a recent realignment, the trail now begins at a four-way intersection with
Troy Built and
Lion's Loop. COPMOBA mapping recognizes this as the Mack Ridge trail, while the old doubletrack from
Lion's Loop is referenced as
Mack Ridge Connector.
Mack Ridge is great in either direction. There is one rather gnarly hike-a-bike in the eastern half of the trail that must be walked regardless of travel direction. (Although legend has it this has been descended!).
From the intersection with
Lion's Loop and
Troy Built begin a technical climb through a number of switchbacks, rocky passes, and hike-a-bike technical sections to the rim high above the river valley.
At a T-intersection with a doubletrack, turn Right. This is the original Mack Ridge trail. To the Left, the trail descends as
Mack Ridge Connector to
Lion's Loop. Ride East along the ridge on the doubletrack for a 1/4 mile to a short, technical, singletrack descent.
The singletrack climbs back to, and continues 3/4 mile along the rim to a particularly breathtaking viewpoint, after which ride through a Left switchback, a Right switchback and an abrupt technical section terminating in a hike-a-bike pass.
At this point, Mack Ridge is 1 1/4 miles of technical downhill. The downhill is all rideable; although not bereft of challenge. Mack Ridge ends in a saddle at the western ends of
Mary's Loop and
Moore Fun.
1 Comment