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A gateway trail showcasing what Lake Guntersville State Park has to offer.


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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.4

KM

Singletrack

1,115' 340 m

High

973' 297 m

Low

275' 84 m

Up

274' 83 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Some portions of this trail as mapped are temporary detours along the original trail until the new re-routes are constructed by IMBA Trail Solutions in partnership with Alabama State Parks. The new re-routes will be completed in the Spring of 2015.

Description

The Golf Course Loop encircles the Lake Guntersville State Park golf course atop Taylor Mountain. Access to the trail is available at the east end of the Golf Course Parking Lot as well as across the street from the main park Lodge on Lodge Drive. To take advantage of the newly built (as of October 2014) flow trail re-route, it is recommended to access the trail from the Golf Course parking lot.

From the Golf Course parking lot, the trail flows slightly downhill with small berms, rollers, and two switch berms along the perimeter of the golf course. This is all part of the new machine-cut trail constructed by IMBA Trail Solutions in 2014. Then, after you've enjoyed it for about a half-mile, the new trail merges with the original trail and becomes somewhat boring with what seems to be a long steep climb followed by a matching descent. It then goes back to the new flow trail, with views of Lake Guntersville, for a continuation of riding enjoyment.

The trail meanders through wooded areas and areas damaged by the April 2011 tornado outbreak just below the golf course. Except for a few climbs along the temporary detours to the original trail, the elevation changes are relatively minimal. About halfway through the trail, it crosses a stream. The rock ledge may be slippery, so it may be a good idea to walk your bike across it the first time you ride the trail.

About two-thirds of the way along the trail, it crosses Aubrey Carr Scenic Drive. Watch for traffic as you cross the road. Continue towards the right along the Golf Course Loop (Taylor Mtn comes off on the left), which parallels Aubrey Carr Scenic Drive. At the next trail intersection, which isn't marked (as of October 2014), turn right. This will take you slightly uphill along the original trail up to Lodge Drive, just across from the park Lodge.

To get back to the Golf Course Parking Lot, you can either retrace this route backwards or ride along the park roads back to the parking lot.

Contacts

Land Manager: Alabama State Parks

Shared By:

Zack Butler

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 8 votes

#8425

Overall
  4.3 from 8 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#114

in Alabama

#8,425

Overall
1 Views Last Month
658 Since Oct 19, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

View of Lake Guntersville.
Oct 19, 2014 near Gunters…, AL
Bridge #1 on Golf Course Loop.
Oct 19, 2014 near Gunters…, AL
View of Lake Guntersville above trees damaged during the April 2011 tornado outbreak.
Oct 19, 2014 near Gunters…, AL
Bridge #2 on the Golf Course Loop.  Similar to the first bridge, but it doesn't seem to be quite as slippery.
Oct 21, 2014 near Gunters…, AL
This is pretty much the most technical place on this trail.
Oct 19, 2014 near Gunters…, AL
Intersection of Golf Course Loop (right) with Taylor Mountain Trail (left).
Oct 26, 2014 near Gunters…, AL

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jul 22, 2022
Private User
Oct 3, 2020
Lost Justpastnowhere
Sep 25, 2018
Gene Crabtree
Hard rain last night, but the trail is already mostly dry. No standing water or mud , very well maintained. 3.3mi
Sep 8, 2018
George Ford
Jul 14, 2018
Aaron Briggs
May 19, 2015
Charlie Blume
done
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