Tailings Run Trail

The Tailings Run Trail is a difficult trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park's Five Points Trail System. It provides a more challenging alternative to the easy Peace Can Trail, and begins and ends near the respective termini of the Peace Can Trail.

Tailings Run is best ridden starting from its north end near the Cloudland Connector Trail. There will be a nice, gentle descent (similar to the Peace Can Trail) before it enters the abandoned coal mine area. You'll climb and descend one small hill after another. These hills are all that remains of the coal mine (the "tailings"). There are a number of tricky sections, and you generally have to maintain your momentum on the descents to complete the climbs without running out of steam (or rolling backwards).

It's a fun trail after you've tried it a few times, but it will keep your adrenaline pumping. Some sections of the trail are narrow and rooty. Beginners may want to avoid this trail and just stay on the Peace Can Trail. Skilled mountain bikers are more likely to enjoy the challenge it provides.