The Back 40 Loop - Segment 2: East End Of 340 to Blowing Springs

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Ride this section clockwise. It is mostly downhill going this direction, and the top part from Hwy 340 (Lancashire) until it crosses the next paved road (Grosvenor) is the longest descent on the Back 40. There's a very small amount of pedaling on this first segment.

It starts off with a few big berms and settles into some rolling terrain with some small rollers that will give you a chance to get airborn. There's some nice flow created by natural berms that are cut into the hillsides. The best part of this section is near the bottom where it hugs a bluff line on the right with a sharp descent that leads into a few nice rollers for jumping, and a dried creek bed that's a fun G-out.

From here, you'll follow a nice, flowing trail from Grosvenor to the Power Station. Follow the "Back 40" signs here, and you'll embark on a two-mile climb, but it's not steep or technical. When you reach the top, don't take The Ledges trail. Follow the signs for "Back 40 Loop," to the right.

Cross Commonwealth, a paved road, and drop in on "Lion Around." Get ready to get rowdy! This is a moderate descent with rollers, berms, and a few G-outs along the way. Look for the two lions that will be watching you shred this section!

Moving past this, you'll go through a series of short sections with regular road crossings. You'll even go through a golf course at one point! FORE! You'll reach an elevated bridge that's under a bluff line, and shortly thereafter, there are a few intermediate-level, technical rock features to climb.

Next, there's a really steep, punchy climb that will test even those with strong lungs and legs. Catch your breath and settle into some nice, mostly level, flowing, twisting singletrack, leading you the rest of the way to the Blowing Springs Trail system.

Counter-clockwise. This a good section of trail this direction, but it will be mostly a steady climb from Blowing Springs to Hwy 340 with only a few downhill sections. It is the "less steep climbing" direction if you are debating leaving Blowing Springs and going clockwise or counter-clockwise, and completing the Back 40 Loop.

Just remember, if you want to ride what most locals consider the signature trail of the entire system, The Ledges, then you may want to consider leaving Blowing Springs and going counter-clockwise, which will set you up to descend the alternate Black Diamond trail, The Ledges. Either direction you choose, this is a great section of trail!

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