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A nice loop ride with great switchback downhills and views of the American River.


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Map Key

8.7

Miles

14.0

KM

90%

Singletrack

1,023' 312 m

High

675' 206 m

Low

986' 300 m

Up

986' 301 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This trail Starts at Magnolia Ranch (Gerle Loop) and the turn around is the East Ridge Trail. ERT should be done clockwise unless you like to hike-a-bike!

Need to Know

The River Access Trail that branches off about a 1/4 mile into the start of this ride parallels the American River.

Description

Start in parking area and take South Fork ART (American River Trail) east. After a brief section of doubletrack, you'll hit some covered flat, fast and twisty singletrack. Eventually, you'll come to a fork - one leads back to the parking area (making a 2.5 mile loop) the other heads south and leads to a short, fast downhill section. Continue through a creek crossing, after which you'll begin a switchback climb with nice cover.

On the ridge of this climb, you'll have a cool breeze and great views of the American River. The descent from the climb is fast and fun and ends at the Up Down Trail. Turn left and take the trail down, then up until you see the East Ridge trail connection. Head up the doubletrack until you get to another T intersection and the top of the Up Down Trail. Head down (right) this trail until it joins back up with the South Fork ART Connector. Return along the same trail, but now you get to enjoy the fast downhill switchbacks leading back to the creek.

This ride has a combination of flat, winding singletrack, some medium level climbs and both switchback and straight downhills. Makes for a very scenic and fun ride.

Contacts

Shared By:

Shayne Holderby

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 13 votes

#1927

Overall
  4.1 from 13 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
62%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
8%
Recommended Route Rankings

#243

in California

#1,927

Overall
20 Views Last Month
5,342 Since Jul 21, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

9%
0%
82%
9%
0%
0%

Photos

Springtime on South Fork ART.
Jan 25, 2017 near Auburn…, CA
Springtime poppies blanket the side of the trail.
Jan 25, 2017 near Auburn…, CA
Great views to the West
Mar 18, 2022 near Pilot Hill, CA
Gerle Loop
Jul 21, 2014 near Auburn…, CA
Great views on the American river looking south west during the first few miles of the trail
Jul 7, 2019 near Auburn…, CA
View of the American River and descent start
Jul 21, 2014 near Auburn…, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 17 days ago
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