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A gravel and machine-built ascent leading to a spectacular singletrack descent filled with off camber, old-school flow.


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Map Key

9.4

Miles

15.2

KM

65%

Singletrack

2,955' 901 m

High

1,947' 593 m

Low

1,065' 324 m

Up

1,067' 325 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The first 3.5 miles climb up gravel roads, Braley Pond Road and Calf Pasture Road #96, that lead to a machine-built trail, Wild Oak N.R.T. (716), that climbs another 3.0 miles to the top of a ripping, 3.0 mile descent on Dowell's Draft Trail.

Description

The first 3.5 miles gain 400 feet of elevation on gravel roads. At the crest, turn right onto the “Magic Moss” section of the Wild Oak N.R.T. (716). Climb another 700 feet in the next 3.0 miles. Keep taking rights at all the intersections.

The second intersection will be with Dowell's Draft Trail. Take a right, and be sure to drop your seat post for a ripping, fun descent down some skinny singletrack. Beware of the off-camber exposure on your left side—a spill downhill will be dicey. The trail traverses open deciduous forests along the south-facing side hill and hops on the ridge a few times. Expect a couple of tricky sections and creek crossings with some sneaky turns sprinkled in there.

You'll know you are getting close to the bottom when you reach some roller type tank trap features—check your speed as these features have been known to surprise the aggressive high-speed descender. The trail then pops out on a gravel road. Turn right, and follow the road back to the parking area.

Contacts

Shared By:

S. Scott Wootten

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 15 votes

#1209

Overall
  4.3 from 15 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#30

in Virginia

#1,209

Overall
27 Views Last Month
2,390 Since Nov 27, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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27%
33%
0%

Photos

Lower reaches of Dowells Draft.
Dec 24, 2014 near Weyers…, VA
The upper part of Dowells Draft has some fun ledgy drops.
Dec 24, 2014 near Weyers…, VA
adventureseen.com video of Dowell's Draft
Dec 16, 2014 near Verona, VA
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Current Trail Conditions

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