Due to the steep slope on the west end of the trail, most people will probably enjoy riding Beaver Pond Trail west to east, as described, but it can be pedaled in either direction. Whichever direction you choose, the terrain is rolling enough to make this trail feel longer than its 2.9 miles.
From the intersection with the
Gold Creek Trail, bomb through the clearcut to a switchback followed by another straightaway. Watch your speed after the turn, as a "gotcha" rock garden quickly pops up with little warning. From there, get ready for a couple of turns with small, rollable root-drops.
Ahead, a steep, rock-armored left-hander feeds into the woods for a fast and easy descent to the intersection with the
Plummer Trail. Head straight and turn right after a bridge crossing to stay on the Beaver Pond Trail. The rocky and rolling terrain that follows soon ends at the border of a swampy pond, giving way to a cool and mossy forest.
On the other side of
Green Mountain Road (GM-1) the trail meanders through clumps of salal at the edge of a clearcut. The climbing in this short section is pretty mild as the trail bobs along. A creek and shallow pond make an appearance before you reach the next road crossing.
Past the crossing, the trail parallels the road until it drops to a creek crossing and resumes climbing on the other side. The trail becomes entrenched and many of the turns sport low "moto berms." The positive gradient is pretty steady through the lush forest, but not unmanageable.
After the final road crossing (GM-3), the trail heads into a short section of tougher climbing before the grade settles down. The undergrowth here is much shorter, giving the forest a spacious, open feel. The Beaver Pond Trail concludes with a small, flowing descent to the "T" intersection with the
Wildcat Trail.
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