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Steep, rocky singletrack used by both hikers and bikers.


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Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.1

KM

95%

Singletrack

1,012' 309 m

High

407' 124 m

Low

1,317' 401 m

Up

1,329' 405 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Closed from dusk to dawn.

Overview

This trail system is part of the South Mountain Preserve, as such you'll not find any (obvious) man made trail obstacles. In fact, one of the key attractions of the trail system from a Mountain Biking perspective is the use of the natural terrain to create technical trail obstacles. Fallen trees are often left in place to serve as counterbalance to the challenging climbs. Large, barely movable stones have been relocated adjacent to large boulders to serve as ramps for jumps.

The only truly obvious man made alterations designed to encourage water drainage, and discourage trail erosion (something that is a problem at most other notable trails in the region).

Need to Know

It should be noted that these trails have challenging technical climbs. Only the most experienced and well conditioned athletes will be able to reach the top of the trail system without rest stops. Do not let that discourage you, there is nothing more rewarding after a grueling climb like a challenging descent.

If you don't have a mobile device to use the MTB Project MTB Project mobile app, print this map - wildlandspa.org/wp-content/…

Close to Funk Brewing Company and Hijinx Brewing Company, which sometimes have food trucks. La Placita has excellent homemade Mexican food close by, too.

Description

The singletrack trails that dominate this trail system often becomes little more than a somewhat distinguishable route through a rock garden. If it were not for the well marked, color coded trail system, at times it would be impossible to determine which way to go.

There are two different parking lots available, one on Klines Lane (utilized on this featured ride). This is the is the parking lot for Homestead Park. There is a trail map and an Archway marking the trailhead. If you want to skip the Robert Rodale Gateway Trail (and its warm-up/cool-down ride) then you can park at Boroline Park on Alpine Street at the base of the mountain itself. This option also has a trail map as well.

For an added bonus, head east onto the new Log Trail (White). Log Trail (White) is classic east coast singletrack, with lots of logs and rock, many fun bonus lines including an 8-foot A-frame style rock option, and a tougher climb that's steep but pretty short.

History & Background

Check out wildlandspa.org/%EF%BF%BC%E… for more information.

Contacts

Local Club: Valley Mountain Bikers

Land Manager: Wildlands Conservancy

Shared By:

Dominic Wilbrink with improvements by Tae Eun Lee

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 12 votes

#2110

Overall
  4.1 from 12 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

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in Pennsylvania

#2,110

Overall
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7,207 Since Dec 3, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

One of the many fun bonus lines to jump on the older section of Bug Trail.
Aug 17, 2017 near Emmaus, PA
7 foot tall A frame rock is right next to the existing singletrack trail. Speed and commitment are your friend, as is a good chainring protector.
Nov 27, 2019 near Emmaus, PA
Trio of Rollable Rocks at intersection of Blue Trail and Yellow Trail
Feb 14, 2018 near Emmaus, PA
Super Bowl Sunday Bonus Episode!
Apr 4, 2018 near Emmaus, PA
Taking a break on a foggy day before tackling the Mountaintop Trail.
Jan 4, 2015 near Emmaus, PA
"Rocky Goodness" - Mountaintop Trail (Yellow) at SME
Apr 4, 2018 near Emmaus, PA

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Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2020
Luigi Alatrista
Nov 27, 2019
Neil Landers
trails are dry. heavy leaf coverage, so very drifty!
Sep 3, 2019
Ismaldo Adames
Oct 23, 2018
Andrew Parker
Apr 22, 2018
Ronald Hoffman
7.8mi
Oct 1, 2017
John Rooney
Alpine street 10mi
Jun 29, 2017
Guy Deeble
7mi
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