Bumping Knots Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

It should be said first that this is among Stub Stewart State Park's multi-use trails. That means they are also open to hikers and equestrians. Due to several steep hills, and marshy lowlands, much of this trail can be expected to be pretty choppy and torn up from hooves. That being said, there are some fun and smooth sections.

This trail starts near the end of the very smooth and very short Hollie's Point of View Trail, which shoots straight south from the Banks-Vernonia State Trail at a little over mile 10 from Banks. A sign pointing to the right marks the beginning of the Bumping Knots Loop.

At first wide, relaxed, and rolling, it doesn't take long for the trail to take its first dive downwards. The trail promptly begins climbing back up a lung-busting hill. This is a little taste of what the rest of the trail has in store for you. After this, it mellows out a little before it eventually forks into the two directions of the true loop.

This trail can be ridden either way, and both directions will have steep climbs and descents. Heading straight on the doubletrack at the fork (downhill) is arguably the less-fun way, as the extremely steep, winding singletrack that highlights this loop goes uphill in this direction. The description here will assume the rider turns right (uphill).

The trail calmly rolls along with a slight uphill trajectory before coming to the big downhill. It appears an ancient trail went straight down the mountain, but this has since been decommissioned and replaced with snaking, quick and tight "switchbacks" (the term only vaguely applies) down the hill. The trail appears to be well-built too and more resilient to hooves and erosion than the other parts of this route. Be safe and have fun.

At the bottom, the trail spits out onto more ancient doubletrack. Follow the sign for the appropriate trail (there is a decommissioned trail heading in the opposite direction) as it follows Williams Creek in a somewhat marshy valley. In the spring and summer, the grass can grow quite high, offering yet another look for the State Park.

Another tough climb brings the trail back up to the fork. Don't forget about those first up-and-down hills at the beginning of the trail as you make your way back to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.