Lake Murray Big Loop to Pecan Grove

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This ride consists of the following trails in order:

• Buckhorn Trail
• Anadarche Trail (to Pecan Grove)
• Race Loop
• Anadarche Spur
• Beaver Trail
• Beaver Lookout Trail
• Beaver Spur
• Anadarche Trail
• Anadarche Spur
• Buckhorn Trail

This ride starts off on the Buckhorn Trail, which immediately throws some technical rock gardens and tight switchbacks at you. At 0.4 miles, there's a wide, rocky downhill, after which the trail seems to end with what looks like bandit trails branching off. Take the trail to the left which is a short, technical, rocky section that leads to a fire road. Turn right on the fire road and follow it for 0.2 miles where the singletrack starts again on the left.

This section seems to have been built with hikers in mind, as there are several stair-step climbs that will challenge your skills. At 2.3 miles, you'll cross Cisco Road and be on the Anadarche Trail. Around mile three, there's a rocky downhill switchback that leads to a wooden bridge. From this point, stay left until you reach the Pecan Grove around mile six. Take a break and grab a snack at one of the picnic tables and get ready for the real fun to begin.

Take the trail back from Pecan Grove to the start of Race Loop near mile seven. The next six miles are the most popular in the Lake Murray trail system. There is a good mix of fast flow, rock gardens, and technical climbs. The Race Loop ends at the Service Road Trail 1. Turn left on the Service Road Trail 1 for 20-30 feet and take the first left to catch the Anadarche Spur. About 0.25 miles later, turn left onto the Beaver Trail, then stay left to take the Beaver Lookout Trail and follow the main signs to also catch the Beaver Spur trails.

This section has some punchy ups and downs with some babyheads mixed in, with one very technical climb. The Beaver Trail ends near the wooden bridge around mile 15. Cross the bridge and head right to try the rocky switchback climb. From there, you'll return on the Buckhorn Trail the way you started to the park office.