Dogs Leashed
The southernmost section of trail that runs from York Dr. to Castleford Dr. is a one-way,
DOWNHILL ONLY segment. The other two sections outlined in the description can be ridden either direction.
Also, without any interesting landmarks for hiking, and bikers carrying a lot of speed, there are much better places on the system to hike. It's not restricted, just not what I would term "family friendly."
Description
This is one contiguous trail with three distinct sections. For this description, the direction is north to south. The lower section is "Downhill, One Way Only." It's a section that once you ride it, you'll immediately want to go ride it again. For that reason, it is the most commonly "shuttled" area of the Back 40 System.
The trail originates off of the Back 40 Loop - Complete Ride to the north, and is a connector trail. The first part, what I'm calling section one, is a fairly uneventful climb up to Hwy 340 (Lancashire).
Cross over, and you drop into section two, which is instant fun with a steep descent with a few rollers and bermed switchbacks. The ride levels off for a period with ups and downs with some great rollers, doubles, gravity cavities, and a few very short rock gardens that can be ridden or "hucked" if you carry some speed. This lasts for approximately 0.8 miles, and then you start up a gradual ascent that leads to the next road crossing, which is York Dr.
Now you start the one-way "Downhill Only" section three of the trail, which is about one mile long. Set your suspension up for descending, check your helmet strap, and prepare for serious fun!
This run starts with a sharp descent that includes a few roll-able gap jumps and a nice berm to get things starts. You then move into a field that has a series of small berms and small jumps. You hit a step-down jump followed by a step-up jump (if you carry enough speed), and you're back into the woods.
From here, you have a mostly descending deep bench cut trail that runs along a ridge line. You make a few tight switchbacks where the trail passes in and out of the hollows formed by the drainage creeks. You then hit a long, straight stretch with a series of rollers that can be used as singles, doubles, and even one triple if you are feeling froggy! Finally, you have to get on the brakes for a sharp left-hand switchback followed by a sharp right-hand switchback, and it's down to Castleford Dr. to end the run.
Lake Ann parking lot is very close by to your right. If you're visiting and want guaranteed fun, leave a car here at the lot, and shuttle your group up to York and park beside the road in the little cleared off section. Make a few blitzkrieg runs down this, and you'll have ear-to-ear smiles and stories to tell!
Contacts
Shared By:
Charles Williams
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