Dale Ball Central Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This six-mile loop features a nice bit of climbing and a tech descent during a clockwise loop. There are a few blind corners, so be wary of other trail users. Riders will encounter some trick switchback climbs and nice flowing descents. But when the trail is dry, there are several sections that can be pretty loose and gravel-like.

From the parking lot, there's a nice stretch of warm-up that last till entrance to the housing section. The first climb is broken up into two sections and the first bit isn't that tough. You'll get a bit of a reprieve and a little descent before the second part. The second climbing bit is a bit tougher, the trail narrows and a few of the switchbacks can be a bit vexing... no problem to ride down, but tougher to ride up.

Once you get to trail marker #14 the trail splits... and this loop follows the trail up for a bit more climbing. Nothing tough, though there is one little tech section that you'll have to climb through. You'll know you're there when you see it... watch the tree branch on the left side, it's tried to grab my handlebars more then once.

Once you reach marker #15 you'll reach the biggest "tech" section of the ride - again you'll know your there when you see it... it's a rack stair/step-down (personally, it's one of my favorite parts of the ride). Once past that, the trail settles into just a fun bit of riding, a couple more really short tech sections... nothing major though.

Once you reach marker #27, you'll be on the road for a bit, maybe 3/10ths of a mile at most. Once back on the trail it's a pretty easy spin back to the parking lot. If you'd like to add a more interesting climb consider climbing up Trail Junction 18-19 or tackling Trail Junction 20-12.

As a side note... I don't really consider this a black diamond trail, but the trail is pretty narrow, and I wouldn't really recommend you take a beginner/newbie on it, as there are parts where your bike handling does need to be on point.