Dragonfly and Elderberry Trails Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

The trailhead is located on the east side of Beagle Club Road, just off a small access road. There is a small clearing at the trailhead with room for a few cars; alternatively, you can park in the main Northumberland Forest lot on the west side of the road, 300 yards (275 m) to the southwest.

There are no services available at the trailhead or main parking area, but the trails and trailheads are well-marked by signs.

The trails are relatively well-marked with signs at intersections (with access roads) and orange paint on marker trees. It is predominantly smooth, low-grade, narrow forest singletrack with a number of short climbs and flowy descents. Typical of trails in the area, this loop features roots and a few small rock gardens. The trails can be ridden in either direction. Watch out for the poison ivy!

After leaving the trailhead, you'll cross a fire road at the half-mile (0.8 km) mark. Stay left and continue on Dragonfly. At mile 1.6 (2.7 km), you'll cross another fire road, and proceed onto the Elderberry Loop trail. The first few hundred yards are a short but relatively stiff climb (the toughest of the loop). Continue on Elderberry for 1.6 miles (2.7 km) (at the halfway point, you'll be able to see the Bowmanton Road parking are on your left).

Elderberry ends where the trail recrosses the fire road, and picks up the eastern portion of Dragonfly. Continue on Dragonfly for 1.1 miles (1.8 km) and either take the Dragonfly connector (right) or stay on Dragonfly (left) for another 0.7 miles (1.1 km) (the steepest downhill section of the loop) and then up the fire road to the Dragonfly trail entrance/exit (or take the short alternate connector that runs off the fire road (Stonewell), which also heads back to the Dragonfly trailhead).