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.
Continuing on, you'll come to Yotees Run intersection. In order to reach
Burrell Cove Trail, you'll need to leave the Central Loop and travel about 100 yards to the next signed intersection. Otherwise, continue left to stay on Central Loop. The next signed intersection, which is in about a mile, is the end of
Burrell Cove Loop. Shortly after this intersection is the steepest climb on Central Loop. I say steepest because it is the only one of any duration, but is very do-able by even a novice rider.
At the top of this climb is what I refer to as the Grand Intersection. Its a very wide spot in the trail where several lollipops branch off from it. To the right is
Sneaking Creek and to the left is
Upper Ridge Loop. Straight ahead, albeit somewhat right-ish is the final stretch of Central Loop. Its up and down with some slightly technical rooty areas but then finishes with a wonderful flowing downhill that has a few tight turns including a left-handed switchback near the end.
Obviously, if you ride Central Loop clockwise, it will start out with this uphill pull that will increase the difficulty factor considerably.
Another option is to ride it counterclockwise to the Grand Intersection and then ride it back out in the clockwise direction. The trail then will give you around a 5-mile ride that is enjoyable for beginner and novice riders.
Color on Map: White
Ability Level: Green
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