Black Mountain Trails

Black Mountain Trails

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	Black Mountain Trails
Location:	Tennessee
Nearest Town:	Crab Orchard
Directions to Trailhead:	I40 west from Knoxville. Take the Crab Orchard exit left. Drive a couple of miles until you come to a 3-way fork in the road and follow the left fork up the mountain about 3-4 miles. You'll pass a sign indicating it's owned by the United Methodist Church. Park at the top when the road ends -- the trailhead is to the left (behind the utility tower). Information is posted on a sign by an old mill about 200 yards down the trail.
Trail Description:	Black Mountain is the northern end of the 128-mile Cumberland Trail that stretches from Crossville, TN to Chattanooga. This property is owned (but not used or posted by) my the Methodist Church. The state is attempting to purchase for use as a state park. The entire area is deserted logging road kept open by ATVs and ranges from extremely loose and rocky to impassable drops and creek crossings. Extremely challenging climbs and descents. Not marked or mapped, but many trails loop eventually back to the main road or primary trail. Good rock climbing opportunities.
Trail Length:	20+
Trail Type:	Fire Roads
Skill Level:	Advanced
Submitted By:	Steve

Scott from tn Date: December 13, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Trails are not marked, hard to define. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This area is really convenient since it is only about three miles off the interstate. Trails consists of atv trails some of are really good and some are rough, rutted, and muddy. If you are going to ride here go with someone who knows the area or study up on maps ahead of time so you will know the lay of the land. We usually park about half way up the paved road and park on the left a trailhead pull off. This trail has some excellent riding on it or you can ride about 200 yards up the pavement and on the left is another trail. This second trail starts off really rough but about after a half mile it becomes a sweet 5 mile gradual downhill run that is second to none.	Overall Rating:

Steve from Woodstock, GA Date: April 16, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Trailhead at the top. Singletrack to a couple of rock foundations and a sign describing the Cunberland Trail. Lots of huge rock formations all around. Continue right, following the contour of the mountain, looking for a downhill stretch to the left at a 4-way split in the trail. Very long technical descent. Continue through next logging road and go any direction you choose. Bring your 100 oz camelback. Other recommended trails in the same area: Bear Creek or Bull Mountain in north GA would be comparable in distances and ruggedness but are superior for mountain biking.
Review: Ride to the bottom of any of the very loose, technical logging trails. Periodic drops, lots of opportunity to endo. Take lots of side trips along the way back up, they generally hook back up with the main logging trail. Had one very technical climb (that has turned out to be the best DH runs I've ever seen) that lead to sheer rocky faces from 30 to 60 feet high. Climbed all over a 40 foot cravasse. Back at the top, we found that a lot of the trails hook back up with the blacktop. Opportunities to hit new (very long) trails all the way down the mountain as you're driving out. Use the utility tower on top of the mountain as your landmark. As long as you're climbing, you'll eventually see it and be back at the trailhead. This is definitely freeride country! My knock would be how poorly it's marked and finding trails that loop for a good training ascent rather than a death defying out-and-back. Plan on an all-day thang. 4 stars rather than 5 just cause it's ATV paradise today.	Overall Rating: