Munny Sokol Park

1. Technical

by BossNinja, Monday, October 10, 2011 4:43 PM

There are a ton of trails at Sokol park. Most of them are loops, with connector trails seamed throughout. It's quite easy to get lost in the trail system at first but you're never more than 3 miles from the trailhead and it's all pretty well used so you'll likely run into a native and they can tow you out.

There are over 12 miles worth of well maintained and expanding trail slithering through the Sokol system. Once you've gotten your head around it, it's easy to plan a 6-10 mile loop through the system with little or no double back.

Most of the trails are intermediate level with novice sections peppered throughout the whole system. Sokol is full of optional trail features at almost every turn. From 12" skinnies to 2 foot high log-overs there's plenty to sink your teeth into. We are huge fans of the single track. Sokol will be most remembered for it's hairpin switchbacks that are often littered with roots or impossibly steep. Just remember there's no shame in walking it the first time.

The Munny Sokol Trail system is build around technical XC style riding. There's no big air or downhill slalom style areas. That's not to say there are no incredibly fast sections, just that the majority of the trail system is tight and technical with short speedy sections and loops built in to offer you a breather.

A previous reviewer stated that there were fire roads and single track, this is a little misleading as the trail system is about 98% single track and 2% access road. It's actually possible to complete the entire system and merely cross the access roads.

The trail system is maintained by WAMBA (The West Alabama Mountain Bike Association) by care of PARA (Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority).

If you're planning a trip to Tuscaloosa and are interested in some technical there is a group ride every Tuesday and Thursday for speedy people and a more relaxed newcomer trail familiarity ride on Mondays. You may also be able to score a guide by announcing your interest in one on the WAMBA forums prior to your visit. WAMBA is full of very helpful and dedicated bikers that could help you plan a trip.

Enjoy the ride!

WAMBA Website: http://westalmtb.org