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Bomb Dog Loop - Coldwater Mountain

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (70)
  1. Areas
  2. AL
  3. …Central Alabama
  4. …Anniston
  5. Coldwater Mountain
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“The big loop at Coldwater, including two miles of phenomenal downhill flow trail. ”

Leslie Kehmeier
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Map Key

10.5

Miles

16.9

KM

100%

Singletrack

1,589' 484 m

High

728' 222 m

Low

1,274' 388 m

Up

1,279' 390 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The Bomb Dog Loop might just be your favorite new ride. Part of the new developing trail system at Coldwater Mountain, this loop includes some of the newest technology in singletrack trails.

The loop is ridden in a clockwise direction and maximizes plenty of flow style downhill sections with berms, rollers and jumps.

Description

The Bomb Dog loop starts at the Cold Springs Trailhead and uses the two-way trail until its intersection with the Bomb Dog trail itself.

The ride starts out on rollers from the trailhead, providing a good introduction to the kind of trail and forest that you'll encounter throughout the ride. After passing through the first optional section (left = harder, right = easier) there will be a three-way intersection (left takes you on Mama Bear and right takes you on Baby Bear). Continue straight and descend the east side of the Mama Bear loop and then climb gradually to an intersection with the Papa Bear loop. Stay left here and at the next intersection to rock the fun parts of the Papa Bear Trail.

Another left onto Bomb Dog gets you going on the longest stretch of singletrack on the ride.

Be prepared for contouring and climbing for a few miles through the Alabama hardwood forest. You might be surprised that such beautiful places existed in the South if you've never been before. Near the top of the climb you'll notice some beautiful rock outcroppings that are scattered intermittently throughout the landscape.

As the climb tops out you'll come across a new headstone on the left side of the trail. The memorial honors Floyd the Bomb dog, a beloved pet of an Anniston local.

From here get ready for one of the newest and best flow-style descents available anywhere. It's about two miles long and features plenty of rollers, camel and table-top jumps, and a handful of black diamond rated optional lines. This section of trail is very progressive and is super fun for riders of all abilities. Getting air is up to you!

After the big descent you'll keep the smile as you contour, climb and have another short descent. The final climb to finish the loop is nothing major and connects with the backside of Baby Bear, a nice cruiser finish to your favorite new ride.

History & Background

As you enjoy this fantastic outing, consider that IMBA-SORBA and the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association have helped drum up more than $700,000 in federal Recreational Trails Program spending at Coldwater Mountain, creating an amazing resource for mountain bikers in the southeastern US.

Contacts

Local Club: Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association

Land Manager: Alabama State Parks

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 70 votes

#1

in Coldwater Mountain

#173

Overall
  4.6 from 70 votes
5 Star
72%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Coldwater Mountain

#2

in Alabama

#173

Overall
95 Views Last Month
34,310 Since Mar 20, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
0%
41%
5%
52%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Cody Kelly and Eric Porter sampling the goods on offer at Coldwater Mountain.
Apr 18, 2017 near West En…, AL
An IMBA video to showcase trails in this region and their Trail Solutions team.
Oct 8, 2013 near Bynum, AL
The fun is just starting atop the 2 mile descent on Bomb Dog
Mar 22, 2013 near Oxford, AL
Great fall day, November 2012
Apr 30, 2013 near Bynum, AL
A panoramic shot of the famous Bomb Dog switchberm. Cheaha Mountain (the highest point in the state of Alabama) is in the background.
Jun 17, 2013 near Bynum, AL
Start of the 3-mile descent
May 7, 2013 near West En…, AL

23 Comments

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Minor Issues 33 days ago
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Check-Ins

Apr 17, 2024
Glenn Gemmill
Sep 23, 2023
Nathan Jones
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Favorite trail I've ridden in Alabama hands down. The climb was challenging, some fun tech on top of the ridge, and ha… 12mi — 2h 30m
Apr 24, 2023
Ryan Church
Mar 23, 2022
Wes Spring
Jan 10, 2022
Cynthia Sullivan
Jul 3, 2021
John Markwood
Apr 4, 2021
Jonah Petoskey
Goldilocks 1x Bombdog 2x 23mi — 3h 00m
Dec 15, 2020
John Steggles

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