Big South Fork

Description for Big South Fork

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has out of this world camping, the area is just amazing and this trail tops off the experience. The trail is great, it has something for everyone, beginners can stick to the easier parts of the ride, more advanced riders can be challenged by the water crossings, rock gardens, and roots. There is nothing super technical but plenty to keep you challenged.

Visit the Park's website for more information on the area and available camping:
http://www.nps.gov/biso/

Hundreds of miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails exist, with back country permits required for overnight camping. Developed campgrounds and primitive lodging exist. Mountain biking is allowed on bike trails, horse trails, and 4-wheel drive roads. Mountain bike Specific trails:

DUNCAN HOLLOW LOOP
Beginning from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center the trail starts and finishes on the Duncan Hollow Road. 1.5 miles after leaving the Visitor Center the single track begins, turning left off Duncan Hollow Road. Look for and follow the marker posts. This single track section features some fun downhill sections, one fairly easy stream crossing and a reasonable climb towards the end of the loop. 2.3 miles after leaving Duncan Hollow Road the single track once again joins the road for a nice ride back to Bandy Creek. Distance: 3.0 miles gravel road + 2.3 miles single track = 5.3 miles total.

COLLIER RIDGE LOOP
Beginning from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center the trail starts and finishes on the West Bandy Creek  Road. 1.1 miles after leaving the Visitor Center the single track begins, turning left off West Bandy Creek Road.  Look for and follow the  marker posts.

The single track section features creek crossings, jumps, sandstone climbs and drops, short slalom sections through trees and fast downhill runs. 1.8 miles after leaving West Bandy Creek Road the trail splits offering riders the choice of a novice or advanced section.  If you are not an advanced rider continue straight to Hwy 297, turn right and ride single file near the white line.  Look for the marker to turn right back onto the single track. The advanced ride turns right coming immediately to a  sandstone ledge with a steep drop.  Beyond this the trail features numerous steep climbs and drops with some sharp turns and log crossings. Once the two sections rejoin either continue west along Hwy 297 and take the West Bandy Trail (see below)  or remain on the Collier Ridge  Trail  for another 2.3 miles back to the West Bandy Creek Road.  Turn right and return to the Visitor Center. Total novice ride is 8.0 miles with 3.6 miles of gravel/paved road and 4.4 miles of single track.
Total advanced ride is 7.7 miles with 2.2 miles of gravel road and 5.5 miles of single track.

WEST BANDY TRAIL
From Collier Ridge continue west on Hwy 297 to the West Bandy Road, turn left and follow the road. 0.6 miles from Hwy 297 turn left on to the single track.  This  section features rolling single-track, creek crossings and short steep sections.  After 1.3 miles the trail rejoins West Bandy Road.  Turn left and return to the Visitor Center. This trail may also be ridden from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center or linked in with the Duncan Hollow Loop.

Directions to Big South Fork Trailhead