Cannon Ball Mountain Trail #55

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

Due to the bottom of this trail running through the Rapid Wild And Scenic River Reserve, you are legally not allowed to access this trail from the logical West Fork Rapid River Trail #113. Sad that an exception could not be made for the 0.5 miles of trail but rules are rules and penalties are steep. The signage is poor and missing all together above Thorn Gulch.

Plan to access and retreat from this trail using Sampson Spring Trail #65 from above or a major detour from below using North Trail #134 to Thorn Gulch Trail #76.

I don't recommend trying Thorn Gulch Trail #76 as an access point.

From the end of Sampson Spring Trail #65, go southwest on a traverse until the trail pointlessly climbs the ridge. Then maintain a traverse to the Coconut Grove that has no coconuts but instead offers a marsh in wet years. The trail ends at the Wurl Cabin that has unfortunately surrendered its roof to a snow load a few years back.

You have options now. 1) Go bushwhacking up Frank Wurl Trail #61 to the wilderness line. 2) Go down Frank Wurl Trail #61 to a gloriously cold, fast-flowing McCrea Creek for a dip of your head and to filter some excellent drinking water. 3) Go down to the McCrea Homestead and have look around and in the windows. Cool place but respect the keep out request from the owners.

I recommend the last two options but do also be mindful that West Fork Rapid River Trail #113 runs right through here between the cabin and the outhouse. You are not in the Rapid Wild And Scenic River Reserve so long as you do not ride up or down West Fork Rapid River Trail #113.

You must now ride all the way back the way you came in. I hope you got pictures to prove it to your friends or God forbid a disbelieving ranger.