This series of stacked loops are well maintained, provide some great easy to intermediate riding, and offer great views of Chatuge Lake throughout.
Central Loop, when ridden counter clockwise, starts you out with some simple easy trails. There are no unavoidable obstacles and this trail will provide you with access to the other trails within this looped system. It follows along the lake shore for the first 1.25 miles where you'll intersect with
Burnt Tree Peninsula.
Burnt Tree Peninsula This trail has some tight and sharp turns in the beginning but after that, it's very similar to the start of
Central Loop with no unavoidable obstacles. This trail returns you to
Central Loop in the same location that you started on it. Continue on
Central Loop to the right. The next trail intersection is
Yotee's Run.
From
Central Loop, youll enter this section of Loops almost straight on. Youll go about 100 yards to the next signed intersection. Go left at this 3-way intersection and then bear right in order to run this loop counter clockwise. (Although this one can be run in either direction) It was great views and short to moderate climbs with a somewhat steeper side slope down to the lake edge. The trail is a little narrower and does have a few rocky/rooty areas that would give this trail an overall novice/intermediate ability level.
Continue onwards to
Burrell Cove. The 1st half of this trail is pure pump track joy! It is fast and flowy with wonderful whoop dee doos and twisty turny tight singletrack. And for this reason, I give it a blue ratingbut if ridden slower, it is fine for beginner riders and is sure to put a grin on their faces. It has some dirt jumps and small unavoidable features but is overall very friendly. It also is the access to
SABA Beach Loop.
After the Beach Loop, the 2nd half of
Burrell Cove has some short steep sections that will find you yelling to your co-riders Pedal, Pedal, Pedal! in order to crest the tops of the hills and then coast back down the other side. There is nothing very technical on the trail bed itself except for the occasional root. However, it is visually intimidating as it is very steep down to the lake edge. Exit Right to continue on
Central Loop in a counter-clockwise direction.
From
Central Loop, head right on to
Sneaking Creek. This trail is one of the trails best run Clockwise. It will start with a wonderful downhill and over a covered wooden bridge. You'll then do a little climbing. There are a few trail intersections in here that can be a little confusing. They were built to accommodate 2-way traffic for some of the races held there. Stay left at the signed intersection. It will climb a bit but once at the top, let the flow begin! This trail can be tight and twisty. Watch for oncoming riders and this trail is often ridden in both directions. It is the longest loop in the trail system.
Once you've had your fill on
Sneaking Creek, take
Upper Ridge which is best run clockwise. It is tight and twisty. The start is up and downbut mostly up. The backside has some steep climbs and some roots and rocks. In my opinion, this is the second hardest trail loop in the systemhence the Intermediate/Advanced rating.
After
Upper Ridge, continue past
Sneaking Creek and you'll find this ride's finish off of
Central Loop. Enjoy!
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