Cedar Bluff

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

This is a great technical trail that is hidden and not ridden by many people. It is the most advanced trail in the Castlewood network. There are great rock gardens and a couple of small drops. There is some erosion and a spot or two that need some attention, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this hidden gem!

Cedar bluff is hidden beneath the railroad tracks on the back side of Castlewood State Park. You can get there by way of The main park, Sherman Beach, or the Al Foster trailhead. Either way you go you end up on Stinging Nettle trail and go through the tunnel under the train tracks to Cedar Bluff trial.

After you ride through the old train tunnel to the trail, you'll want to go left to ride clockwise. Right off the bat you are going to hit a steep climb up a nice and technical rock outcropping up and around the hillside. At the top of the rocks it mellows out quite a bit and you are just into some steady climbing for a little while. About half way up it gets a little steeper and you hit a real tight switch back and onto some more climbing. You'll eventually come to the top and there is a nice bench for you to take a rest on if need be! From here it's mostly downhill.

Be careful on the tight right hand turn almost toward the bottom because this section is somewhat eroded heading to the creek crossing and there can be some pretty deep ruts to get caught up in. Trust me, I went over the bars here on my first time out!

From here you make a left out of the creek and have another short climb. At the top you'll make a series of quick turns and after the 4th you'll come to a small drop with a steep landing. Don't be caught off guard here as there is a root right in the middle of the landing area!

At the bottom of the hil,l make sure you stay left so you can ride to the small cliff over looking the train tracks below and see the river. It is a nice little view and it's an easy ride back to the trailhead. Then I will do it all over again and head out for another lap!!!