Trail 25 (South)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This route details Trail 25 (North), one of four segments forming Trail 25 a 25 mile loop around the perimeter of Riverside State Park.

A grueling tour de force in its entirety, Trail 25 leads visitors on a circuitous route. It travels in and out of forests and meadows, along hills and down bluffs, across riverbeds and through tracts of sand. Fortunately, there are many access points each segment was created with entrance and exit points in mind.

Access Trail 25 (South) as either a continuation of Trail 25 (West) or by starting at the N. Old Trails Road Parking Lot and following Trail 214 until it intersects with the trail.

The first mile of trail takes riders on a dirt road as it winds along the edge of the bluff. A short ways in the road joins with Trail 201. This pleasant route continues on dirt road and includes a brief climb beneath a basalt covered scree slope. Before dropping to the plateau below bikers are presented with a choice of following the road down a short, graveled, slope or taking the easier singletrack on Trail 201 Segment.

A short distance more and Trail 25 (South) splits to the right across an open plateau dotted with a wood of fallen trees. The trail quickly merges with Trail 210 and continues as a dirt road along the plateau.

In half a mile the road takes a sweeping turn down and to the left. At this point riders may want to consider following Trail 210 towards Bowl & Pitcher where it connects with the start of Trail 25 (East). Otherwise Trail 25 (South) makes a narrow singletrack split to the right part way down the descent.

A short rocky climb ensues as you pedal along shaded singletrack. At the top, the singletrack feeds into a rocky road things are generally pretty clear, but some sections remain loose. Less than a half mile later the trail dives into a steep rocky pitch complete with tight switchbacks. This exciting descent feeds into a mellow open field that brings you along a paved road. This is another place riders can leave the trail early if they want following the road in the opposite direction they came.

Trail 25 (South) continues at a moderate climb before making a final sweeping turn to the left and descending back to the paved road. The trail continues across the road, but it passes into the Equestrian Park which is closed to bikes. Riders are left to follow the paved road back toward the heart of the park and catch the intersection with Trail 210.