Riding the loop clockwise…

The 1.6-mile Campground Trail begins at an elevation of 1,480’ and turns uphill soon after leaving the parking lot, passing through a mixed pine and hardwood forest, past rock outcroppings, and crossing a wetland area on a 30 ft long, gently curving bridge.  At this point, the 1,580 ft level evens out some, though still on an uphill climb for another 300 yards or so.  At the 600-yard point, the trail crosses the main road in the improved campground and turns downhill. Soon it crosses the lower loop road and reenters the forest.  200 yards ahead, watch for a right turn where several low bridges span a wet area.  Again, the trail turns uphill for another 500 yard climbing section. The next 400 yards are grade reversals of 10 to 20 feet until reaching the upper trailhead parking area on County Rd 618, elevation 1, 700 ft.  Cross the road and pick up the silver blazed trail on the other side.  The next 700 yards are a gentle climb to 1,760 feet, and the start of the CCC Quarry Trail.

The 2-mile Quarry Trail enters a grove of Maples and large Tulip Poplars and climbs to the high point of 1, 780 feet. Seventy years ago this was a golf course. Bikers will notice several raised areas of jumbled rocks in the forest, 2 of which the trail crosses.  These are the remainders of the tee boxes built for the golf course.  The trail then levels out in one of the last remaining stands of pine in the park.  Near the water tank, the trail crosses the old CCC road, and turns steeply downhill, dropping away from a low bluff and taking a right hand switchback.  The trail drops 150 feet in the next 450 yards, through a stand of old growth hardwood.  Welcome to “Heart Attack hill”. Few riders have been able to make the climb without collapsing. The trail climbs 130 feet in 150 yards…straight up the hillside.  An optional reroute is under construction that will eliminate the steepest portion of “Heart Attack Hill”…but the old trail will be left open for adventurous riders.  300 Yards past this hill is the old CCC quarry where hundreds of tons of sandstone was hand cut to build the many stone structures in the park.  Once past the quarry, the trail begins a series of grade reversals down to the access trail to the entrance of the improved campground.  The last portion of the trail passes old growth oaks and poplars, several large bluff shelters and interesting rock formations on its way back to the Country Store.

 These Trails are not intended for inexperienced riders such as young children.   The trails have steep hills, tight turns, and narrow sections with numerous rocks and roots to contend with.