Skill Level:

Intermediate No serious technical difficulties. High-speed riding requires advanced skill. The trail is shared with equestrian traffic, so there can be muddy sections in turns from hoof impact. The trails are long, so a reasonable endurance level is expected. Because of the length of these trails, plan on carrying sufficient water for at least three hours of riding. It is recommended to carry water in a supplemental hydration system such as a CamelBak™ hydration pack or similar device. 

Route Info:

The Warrior Mountain Trading Company sells highly detailed trail maps from its store in Wren at the intersection of Highways 33 and 36. Though the trails are very well marked, it is strongly recommended to obtain the map. The map contains valuable GPS information, trail details and emergency contact numbers. The Bankhead National Forest and associated Wildlife Management Areas sprawl over five counties. Getting lost inside this area can have serious consequences.

Trails: There are three loops that, when ridden consecutively, provide 27 miles of continuous trail riding. From the trailhead, they are, from closest to farthest:

• Pine Torch Loop (Yellow Trail Blazes) – 11 miles. It is recommended to ride this trail counterclockwise to place the Brushy Creek crossing near the end of the ride, around 2 miles from the trailhead. The creek can be up to a foot deep. Bring a rag or towel to dry off feet.
• Brushy Loop (Blue Trail Blazes) – 6 miles. When returning on Blue Loop on the north side, you can get diverted onto a side trail to the right that can dump you onto Forest Service Road 254. If so, turn left (South) onto 254 for approximately ¼ mi. until it intersects the Brushy Loop again.
• Key Mill Loop (Orange Trail Blazes) – 10 miles. This loop is the farthest from the trailhead. If planning to ride this trail, carry sufficient food and water for four hours or more.

 

Features:

Facilities at trailhead:

• Trail condition information kiosk with honor system payment. $3/car. Hang permit tag in car.
• Parking
• No water or rest room facilities.

 

Afterward:

Plenty of dining opportunities in Hartselle and Moulton. Recommend Whitt's Barbecue in Hartselle. 704 Nance Ford Road Southwest, Hartselle, AL 35640 256-773-2464. (Go .8 miles south of Highway 36/Main St. in Hartselle on US 31. Right onto Nance Ford Road.) 

Notes:

• Purchase a trail map for $5 from the Warrior Mountain Trading Company in Wren. Snacks, drinks, water, advice and gasoline are available at the store.
• Carry a chain brush for cleaning debris from drive train. The soil is sandy and there can be a lot of debris. "Chain suck" is a distinct risk.
• There can be muddy sections due to equestrian traffic.
• Yield to horses. If encountering a horse and rider on the trail, dismount and allow them to pass. Give ample warning before passing horses. Mountain bikes can spook horses.
• Do not drink the water. The streams and watersheds of the Bankhead National Forest are contaminated with the Giardia intestinal parasite. Carry sufficient potable water, water treatment tablets or a good filtration system to sustain the length of the ride.
• Hunting is allowed in the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area between October and April 30. Call the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 256-353-2634 www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/land/wmamaps/ for information on specific hunting dates. Hunting is not allowed near the trails, but one should be cognizant of the seasons.

For more info:

None

Contact any of the following for additional information:

Alabama Bureau of Tourism - Ardmore Welcome Center

Street Address:
28232 Upper Elkton Road
Elkmont, AL 35620
Phone#:(256) 423 - 3891

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
Phone#:(256) 353 - 2634

National Forest Service

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
Phone#:(800) 660 - 0671

The Cradle of Forestry

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
www.theforestplace.com

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Street Address:
11312 AL Hwy 33
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone#:(256) 974 - 3166
www.wildsouth.org/wmtc.html

William B. Bankhead National Forest

Street Address:
N/A
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone#:(205) 489 - 5111