Lightning Creek Road (FS 611)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

This is a well-maintained dirt/gravel Forest Service road that is passable by most any vehicle up to this point. Locals may choose to ride from Middlefork Road (adding several miles and about 400 feet of climb) if they have an alternative parking spot to the one mapped.

The ride itself is not particularly special; just a steady climb up a dirt road through piney woods. The main use of this route is to access the Rocket Trail for a loop or if you want to add even more climbing to get to Lightning Ridge. There are a number of wood/rubber water bars installed across the road. These can be a little tricky to ride over, especially going uphill. The road surface is mostly very sandy, so mud is not a major problem.

To get to the parking area, simply drive about 7.0 miles north of Crouch on Middlefork Road and look for the right-turn onto Lightning Creek Road. Drive past the cabins and continue into the National Forest until the first green gate on the right. This is the first good parking spot to start your ride, but others are available further up the road.