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Ride Big Bear's most popular loop to get a sample of the trails in the area.


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Map Key

16.4

Miles

26.4

KM

85%

Singletrack

3,076' 938 m

High

2,512' 766 m

Low

1,407' 429 m

Up

1,403' 428 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a great, long loop that follows the Race Loop Trail (Yellow Loop) in a 16-mile lollipop. The stem is formed by the Dam Connector which provides the entrance and exit. This ride has a bit of everything and features some challenges, but it's not the most technical route at the Big Bear property.

Need to Know

This ride would take an average rider about three hours or so to complete. Use the Race Loop Shortcut Connector to bypass the trail that goes out around the Venue Area if you want to cut off a few miles of trail. Note that Big Bear Lake does charge a 10 dollar fee to Mountain Bike and requests a release waiver.

Description

This route starts at the Trailhead Parking Area and utilizes the Dam Connector (black arrows) to access the Race Loop Trail (Yellow Loop). Once you get to the Race Loop Trail (Yellow Loop) intersection, you'll want to turn left to do the Race Loop Trail (Yellow Loop) in the clockwise direction.

There's a good mix of flow and technical trail on this route. There's also approximately 1,500 feet of climbing that is mostly dealt with during the first half, leaving a great descent in the last few miles. You'll also be able to hit the jumps on the Dam Connector on your way back to the Trailhead Parking Area. The Race Loop Trail (Yellow Loop) is the only continuously-marked loop on the Big Bear property. It is probably the most commonly ridden loop and has been used in various races over the years.

This is a good intermediate loop favoring those with a little fitness under their belt. There are plenty of technical sections, but just as many fast sections. It will give you a good taste of what Big Bear has to offer.

History & Background

The ride was used for the 24 Hours of Big Bear race and most of it is still used for the Big Bear 2x12 Team Relay event held in June.

Contacts

Land Manager: Big Bear Lake, WV

Shared By:

Jeff Simcoe with improvements by Steven Nigh

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 9 votes

#2764

Overall
  3.8 from 9 votes
5 Star
22%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
22%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#32

in West Virginia

#2,764

Overall
16 Views Last Month
3,875 Since Dec 1, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
13%
13%
75%
0%

Photos

In the Pines near the vista on the Race Loop Trail (marked yellow).
Jan 20, 2022 near Terra Alta, WV
Bike Bash WV 2021.
Jan 20, 2022 near Terra Alta, WV
Gene's Trail.
Jan 21, 2022 near Terra Alta, WV
Race Loop Trail - Big Bear Lake, WV.
Oct 21, 2017 near Terra Alta, WV
Race Loop Trail - most technical section of this trail (very short) before the notable climb
Nov 29, 2017 near Terra Alta, WV
"Jump Trail" to "Crack Trail" at Big Bear Lake, WV
Sep 25, 2017 near Terra Alta, WV

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2021
Rob Freishtat
Jun 3, 2020
Steve Cratin
2h 30m
Sep 2, 2019
Steven Nigh
Good ride lots of roots. 12mi — 2h 00m
Jun 29, 2019
Chas Semon
Jun 13, 2019
Craig DeVore
Apr 6, 2019
Shawn Strosnider
mostly dry with a few mud holes 9mi
Sep 3, 2018
Regis Kaufman
15mi
Jun 30, 2018
Justin Beninati
16mi
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