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A singletrack romp topped off with a sweet downhill finish.


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Map Key

8.8

Miles

14.2

KM

85%

Singletrack

863' 263 m

High

329' 100 m

Low

1,296' 395 m

Up

1,298' 396 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

Overview

This largely shaded ride through the Lake Hennessey section of Moore Creek Park offers immaculately maintained singletrack and views of the peaks along Sugarloaf Ridge to the west. It's long enough to be worthwhile for experienced riders but mellow enough that less-experienced riders can manage it.

Need to Know

No water contact is allowed at Lake Hennessy, including pets.

Description

From the parking lot, climb back up the small hill you drove in on and look for a sign on your right that says "horse trough." There are several points nearby to enter the Chiles Creek Trail. Continue on to a ladder bridge across the creek; the creek bed is also rideable when dry.

Follow Chiles Creek Trail as it merges into Shoreline Trail. Continue along Shoreline Trail until the gate where you enter Alta Hennessey Fire Road. This is a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) climb with the steepest uphill sections of the ride (max 16%).

At the crest of the hill, Alta Hennessey Fire Road meets Conn Peak Trail and Whiskey Ridge Trail. Gravity junkies can session Whiskey Ridge, otherwise turn south and follow Conn Peak Trail through the trees.

You'll pass the Conn Peak Summit Spur trail on your right after a 0.5-mile (850 m) climb, which marks the crest of Conn Peak Trail and the start of its downhill section. Most of the next two miles (3 km) will be downhill as you bear west to enter Old Man's Beard Trail. This is an excellent flowy trail to pedal through and enjoy the terrain, with some fast sections and slightly bermed switchbacks.

After crossing the bridge at the bottom of Old Man's Beard, turn right to climb up Sam The Eagle Trail. This is about as technical as this ride gets: some gentle rock garden sections with a few uphill switchbacks to spin through. As you climb further up the trail, you are treated to open views of Sugarloaf Ridge to the west of Napa Valley.

Arriving at the junction with Alta Hennessey Fire Road, look for the signpost to Catacula Trail ahead on the left. This is a gradual 0.8-mile (1.4 km) climb to the crest of the trail, much of it without shade. The descent features some fat bermed turns and fast runouts with launchable knuckles. There are a few tiny uphill pedals, and soon you coast down to the top of Whiskey Ridge Trail.

Whiskey Ridge Trail is downhill for riders by local custom but watch out for hikers on their way up. You can get hauling pretty fast on this trail, with both bermed and off-camber turns winding down to meet back up with Chiles Creek Trail. Turn north and return to the parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Rob G

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#1829

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#235

in California

#1,829

Overall
49 Views Last Month
1,387 Since May 25, 2021
Intermediate Intermediate

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67%
33%
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Photos

Intense Tazer Mx Pro vs Moore Creek Park Part 1 of 2 19Feb22
Mar 1, 2022 near Saint H…, CA
Junction of Conn Peak Trail and Alta Hennessy fire road
May 25, 2021 near Saint H…, CA
Old Man's Beard dumping out onto Sam the Eagle
May 25, 2021 near Saint H…, CA
View of Sugarloaf Ridge from the northern end of Conn Peak Trail
May 25, 2021 near Saint H…, CA
First trailhead for the Valentine Vista Trail.
Nov 28, 2014 near Saint H…, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 93 days ago
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