Hamilton Creek

Hamilton Creek

	Hamilton Creek
Location:	Tennessee
Nearest Town:	Nashville
Directions to Trailhead:	From Nashville: Take I-40 east to Stewart's Ferry Pike exit. Right off the exit ramp...this will be Bell Road. Sign will be on right, but park entrance is actually on left.
Trail Description:	2 mile novice trail with a brutal 6.5 mile advanced trail. Very technical with lots of rocks as well as the occasional stump. This is a great trail to hone in on your skills. One of my favorites in the area.
Trail Length:	8.5 total miles
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Intermediate
Submitted By:	Gary Williams

Adam from Carthage, MO Date: June 18, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: CCW was great; looked like CW would be fun too..? CCW was recommended by a rider we met on the trail. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I loved this trail. 8.5 miles and I never saw a piece of trash--kudos to the fellas keeping up the trail. There were a couple places where it wasn't clear which way to go; we stuck with the rightmost option and had a great ride. I think you might not want to ride the advanced section without suspension; I'd just gotten my first FS bike when we rode it and I was in extacy.	Overall Rating:

rob feature from nashville Date: November 21, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: either way Other recommended trails in the same area: anything that's not closed when wet
Review: if you've been on the layabout for a year or so from the bike like i have, this one'll rock your socks. it's a great ride with plenty of variety. there are slick, fast, flumy sections with technical stuff in between. actually, the whole trail hops back and forth from fast singletrack to technical...plenty of rocks and roots and holes. speaking of holes, my riding partner explained to me all the transient traffic in the area. it seems that this is a good place to go and explore your "alternative side". but anyway, there's not much climbing to be had here, which is kind of a bummer, but it's still a helluva workout. and it's open when it's wet...which i can't say for any of the other trails around here	Overall Rating:

chris may from nash. tn. Date: September 27, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: take a right Other recommended trails in the same area: lock four,percy warner
Review: this is my fist year on a mnt bike. it is the best learning trail in town. you will get better if you keep at it. if you like, combine your riding and trail maint. by hitting a tree and snapping it off clean to the gruond it might hurt a little bit but i sure saved a lot of time and effort. i realy like this trail.	Overall Rating:

Coffee from Nashville Date: August 18, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: To those of you whom are dissatisfied with the upkeep of the trail. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: If you are interested in doing trail maintenance, please email me and I will put you on the contact list. There are workdays at least once a month. As soon as we get all the trouble spots taken care of, as deamed by the Tommy, the MTB club coordinator, and the parks dept., we are going to add more trail. Love this trail, and want to make it longer, come out and help. I would also like to thank everyone that has helped so far, I am recieving tons of email praising the work.	Overall Rating:

Bill Trail Head from nashvulle Date: July 29, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: luts suport moutane buking Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: To Whom it may concern, >There will be an open meeting to discuss the Hamilton creek trail at Mr. >Gattis pizza on Murphy rd, Tuesday the 30th at 7:00pm. Please plan to >attend if you have anything constructive to add to the discussion and pass >if you don't! This will be a chance for everyone to catch up on what is >being planned and what has been already established with our continued >association with Metro Parks on the continued upkeep of the trail. If you >need more info please contact me @ 329-2453. > >Tommy Hatcher >Mtn bike coordinator >Harpeth Bike club >	Overall Rating:

mike from hermitage Date: July 18, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: counter clockwise Other recommended trails in the same area: haven't ridden others
Review: the trails here are great. beginner or otherwise. i've met a good number of people. some like it some don't. it depends on the type of riding you're looking for. if you want some challenge and technical stuff, this is the place in nashville. if you don't like rocks, roots, drops and hills, go to lock 4 in gallatin. i've just recently conquered the 2.5 mile loop. i'm a novice and while the technical part was challenging and fun, i've had the greatest challenge climbing the hills. i've ridden the short track four times this week without stopping for a break. the fastest time was 22 minutes. not buring it but, i'm now in better shape. i've ridden only part of the 6 mile loop. it was challenging again from the hills. i didn't get to the more technical stuff on the back side like the steps and drops but am looking forward to that in the next few weeks. i did notice a need for some trail maintenance and would like some pointers on what more experienced riders would like to see addressed. the obvious on the small track is all the trash along the lakeside. as well, if someone has advice on the easiest way to get in and out with trash and do the trail maintenance (tools etc.) i'd like that input as well. i plan to go out soon and work on the trails. if someone else is interested drop me a line and maybe we can hook up. i've got a wheel barrow and bush shears. i read the note about the fallen trees. thanks for posting and contacting the right people to get this addressed. for all that have done trail maintenance, thank you. i have found a new sport that is giving me just what i was looking for. something challenging, fun and will get me in shape. i'll look for some feedback regarding the maintenane needs and volunteers to meet up for some riding and working together.	Overall Rating:

gsruff@aol.com from Hermitage Date: July 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: I've started another Hamilton Creek @ Percy Priest review site started .. hopefully that one will be used for just Trail Reviews since this one has nothing but bickering on it. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Here's a response I received from Metro Parks, seems they are concerned over the new obsticles too. They also stated in a phone conversation that short reroutes around these obsticles wouldn't be a huge issue with them. Subj: RE: Hamilton Creek Mountain Bike Trails Date: 7/15/2002 2:25:34 PM Central Daylight Time Hi Greg, Thanks for emailing me. I am concerned that trees have fallen across the trail and have not been removed. Most larger maintenance issues such as this usually get passed on to me or to our maintenance crew. I am also concerned that rather than request removal of these trees new "jumps/ramps" have been installed without notice to us. Because we are not out there on a regular baisis, we hope that communication happens when there are any major changes in the difficulty of the trail(s). This seems to me that it is simply some fallen trees that have not been removed and are now being used as obsticles to make the trail more difficult. If possible, could you indicate on a map where the trees are located and forward the map to me? If you do not have a copy of the map, I can fax you one. As soon as I get this info from you, I will make our maintenance crew aware and have them put it in their schedule. As you know, we have a lot of mowing to do in the summer so it may not happen immediately but I assure you that it will get done soon. Please let me know if you can forward me the locations. Thank you. Geralyn Hoey Recreation & Event Specialist Warner Parks	Overall Rating:

KenMan from Manitou Springs, CO Date: July 10, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Ride it ALL. Ride in both directions. Ride at night...just RIDE! Other recommended trails in the same area: Bowie Nature Park (aka Fairview) - IMPROVED TRAILS! Lock 4 and Chickasaw in Columbia -- both Prime Trails!!
Review: I just want to say that I enjoyed Hammy a bunch when I lived in Nashville. I just moved to Colorado and the trails out here are WAY different, and without Hamilton Creek, I'd be done for out here. So, all the folks who are complaining about how "hard" and how "rough" Hamilton Creek is, keep in mind that it will make you a BETTER RIDER! As for full suspension -- no, you do not "need" an FS bike to ride here, or to enjoy riding here. All you need is persistence and the desire to improve your riding. These trails are rideable by most anyone, that's why there are two loops of varying skill levels. In regards to the trail maintenance issues, I have to say that no matter how much effort goes into Hamilton Creek, it's never going to be a smooth ride -- it's supposed to be tough, the landscape demands it. And to whoever pulled the "shark fin" rock out of the ground on the connector trail, be aware that what you did does not merit trail maintenance but rather trail destruction. Obstacles on the trail are just that, OBSTACLES. They are features and formations that require skill (learned skill) in order to conquer. When you simply cannot, or will not, learn to ride certain obstacles, then get off and walk -- don't duff it up for the rest of the riders who enjoy the challenge. With that said, all I can add is that Hammy is a GEM for Nashville and should be enjoyed and not criticized. Be happy that there is a place like it to ride so accessible to Nashville and don't be scared to take a little extra time on the weekend to do a few trail repairs to boot -- if you aren't sure what to do, then give Tommy Hatcher a call, I'm sure he'll be glad to give you some pointers. And one last thing...hey Bert, why don't YOU be the next person to step forward or at least really help find someone to do so?	Overall Rating:

Kendall Joseph from Nashville Date: July 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Go right or go left. It is a loop so just have fun. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The trail hasn't change to much in the past 2 years, but the thin topsoil and natural rocks and roots make it a tough ride. For all of you complaining about the lack of trail maintenance (Bert) my only answer is go for it. Where the heck where all of you when I was bustin my ass out there last summer? Tommy gave me the equipment and I did alot of mowing brush on the big loop and fixing mud spots on the small loop. I was out there many days. I put up flyers on the boards of both loops and left everyone my email address and phone number. Not once was I contacted or helped. Some guys rode threw when I was mowing and said "Thanks" but that was all I got. Bert, you and so many others are the reason I've turned into a Roadie. 90 percent of all MT bikers bitch and moan constantly about the lack of trails or the quality of the ones we have got. But no one is willing to get off their lazy ass and actually do anything about it. Good trails take work and most would rather ride and enjoy the benefits of someone else's hard work. I'd love to work on the trails again, but I need help. I took 4 truck loads of gravel in the trails by myself. You know where the gravel pile is - help yourself. Dig some drainage ditches. Build a few water bars. If every rider at HC would give just a few hours a year, the trails would be in awesome shape. But no, Bert, most just don't care. Go back and read your damn selfish post. Its all "why isn't anything being done." Why not "what can I do to help?" Have any of you whiners ever done anything for the good of the trails? Get a shovel and a weedeater and get serious about helping and I'll be glad to join you.	Overall Rating:

Sam from Mt. Juliet Date: July 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Whatever way challenges you the most. Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4
Review: I never leave this trail without getting hurt and I LOVE IT. Have Fun!!! Peace Out!!!	Overall Rating:

Dan from Nashvegas Date: June 30, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Counter-clock wise is easier on both sides, believe it or not. Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4. Fairview is all but gone. Monty bell will be great, wait until it is open to the public or contact Tommy Hatcher (see review near the bottom of this page) so you can go out and help get it ready.
Review: A wonderful, rocky, rooty, bone jaringly, dislocatingly, bloody good time. Here is a letter I wrote to a dude wanting to deface this glorious place by cutting trails around obstacles he could not ride, as apposed to getting off his bike and walking. "Go to Lock 4. Hamilton Creek is awesome. As far as a FS bike, I have ridden a hardtail, a singlespeed, and a FS there, awesome every time. I do this two to three times a week. I have a friend who rips through the entire thing in less than an hour on a hardtail. If you can't make it, get off your bike and walk it. I am one of the guys who cut down trees blocking the trail to make them rideable. I am sick of covering up "Free Passes" around obstacles you find not condusive with your riding style. Everything is rideable out there. I have wrecked and bled many times out there, but instead of complaining, I get up more motivated than ever. Go to Lock 4." I'm not trying to make this an attack, but everyone knows of someone who makes thier own trail when they can't get around an obstacle. We all need to give respect to the environments we use to mtb. People have spent a lot of back breaking time to give us the trails we have. Spend some time doing a little trail mantainance and you will understand. If you are passing through, stop by for a lap or two. I don't care where you are from, you will enjoy it.	Overall Rating:

EyeDoc from Nashville, TN Date: June 20, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Counterclockwise on advanced loop; either way on beginner loop...Advanced loop is great, but you can always do a few laps around the beginner trail if you're short on time. Other recommended trails in the same area: Montesano in Huntsville, AL (great!), Bowie Nature Park, Lock 4.
Review: I enjoy this trail very much. It's a great place to work on riding over/between rocks and picking lines. There are only a couple of decent climbs out here, but I am always winded when I complete a ride here. If you've never ridden here, take it slow the first couple of times, as there is always some sort of "surprise" waiting around the next corner, be it a rock(s), stump, root, or another rider. The more you ride and learn the trail, the more you will like it. Certain sections of the trail can be slick and difficult if it has rained recently, but when the trail is dry, it is much more negotiable. Beginners should use caution at the more technical sections and stay within you're limits...this means getting off and walking occasionally. I've been riding for years, and still find myself doing this from time to time on certain days. I'm not as young as I used to be, and some days I got it and some days I ain't. I still feel a sense of accomplishment when I clean certain sections on this trail, and so will anybody else who rides here. If you're looking for fast and easy singletrack, look elsewhere. This trail is not extremely difficult, but it does require a little more skill than some of the other trails around here. If you're planning a trip to West Virginia or similar mountain bike destination, this is a good place to practice your rock-hounding skills. Kudos to the trailbuilders for laying out a fun and nonrepetitive trail in such a small area.	Overall Rating:

Bert Simmer from Nashville, Tennessee Date: June 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Stay Right as much as possible, people do go left, but can make for tough dodging at some points .. Can we get a few maintenance days in! Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Fairview, Chickasaw
Review: Great Trail, needs ATTENTION - Mud Holes too far gone, trail needs re-routing, TRIMMING of brush, Gravel Filling needed. We need the next Tommy Hatcher to step forward and lead the upkeep if the ROCK! Who are you? Step forward and take charge. We need a UPKEEP leader, someone to save Hamilton for future riders ... we don't want to lose it. It's in pretty bad shape (not considering the lack of UPKEEP and USE), but it could be so much better ... Hatch has done his work at Montgomery Bell, married, baby - it's time for someone to step up, take the tools and lead the effort! Are you the PERSON to save "The Rock"	Overall Rating:

jonathan from antioch, tn Date: June 14, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: From Antioch, take Bell Rd. north and turn left onto Smith Springs. Take the second right and follow the twisty road until you can turn right into the park. Sorry, cant remember the name of the road... Other recommended trails in the same area: Nashville isn't really bike-friendly. Or driver- friendly...or education-friendly...or recycle-friendly...or anything else. But, hey, at least you can carry a handgun.
Review: I have to agree with the thought that you may need a FS bike for this trail. After beating myself to death with a Cannondale F500, i am about to invest in FS. It's fun to ride with a hardtail but there are just too many large rocks and roots. I seriously worry about the health of my kidneys. Overall, this is a very challenging trail and it is rare to not crash during a ride. I've lived down the road for over a year, so I pretty much know where to slow down on the trail. I benefit from a profession that allows me to work three days a week. Thus, I get to ride during weekdays when everyone else is at work. Everyone that is, except for some serious weirdos who drive up to the lot and immediately leave. I read one review that said these people are the closet gay community. I wouldnt doubt that but I don't care who they are. I am not exaggerating when I say ten cars WITHOUT bikes will drive through the parking lot during the time it takes me to get my bike off the rack. I just want to warn the unsuspecting riders about these people. Do not exchange glances (see the TRUE CRIME section of your local Barnes and Noble). Anyway, this trail is great if you want a challenging, technical environment thats not too crowded. The trail is long enough for me to reach that great feeling of having broken off from society. About half way through, it's just me, the bike, and the woods....and the freaks in the parking lot. Happy riding. By the way, this web site is awesome!	Overall Rating:

Art Luke from Atlanta, GA Date: June 5, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: CCW on the beginner loop from the trailhead.. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I was in town for the week looking for a place to ride. HC was a great place to go after work. I did 2 laps around the "beginner" loop. It's pretty techincal with a couple tricky spots, but all in all very rideable, plenty of rocks and roots to hop around on, nothing too tough until you reach the rock garden near the advanced entrance. Lots of fun, not too crowded, would recommend it to anyone. Looking foreward to trying the advanced loop...	Overall Rating:

Jason from Franklin Tennessee Date: May 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Follow the novice route until you reach the advanced trail sign...if you feel the need GO FOR IT! Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4
Review: I have ridden every trail here and still keep coming back. No complaints. I love rock and I love this technical trail system. If you are looking for more rolling groomed trails...head for LOCK 4. Not to say it doesnt have its technical points. Hamilton Creek is great for honing skills, riding fast, and rock hopping. There are a few rather sketchy rock gardens...they are great fun as long as you know what you are doing! Ride the whole trail from beginning to end and you will have ridden 8.5 miles of the most endurance building trails in Middle Tennessee. Watch for those bling rock gardens they tend to sneak up on you.	Overall Rating:

Terry from Conyers, GA Date: April 29, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: I went to the right from the parking lot and just stayed to the right, crossed under the road and kept on staying to the right. It made for a bit more than 8.5 miles. Other recommended trails in the same area: Have also ridden Lock4. Also a great ride.
Review: I was in Nashville on business, and rode the trail for the 2nd time. This trail is a great ride. It is plenty tough, and I took a hard spill into waist deep poison ivy. Took a big stump to the ribs! Ouch! I can't breathe deep now. A small price to pay for a fun ride. If you feel you are over your head in places, just hop off and walk. You won't have to go far at all before you can hop back on and go.	Overall Rating:

Mike from Nashville Date: April 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Counter-clockwise Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Just moved from north GA last fall and rode Hamilton Creek for the first time this weekend. GREAT TRAIL. I gave it a five, not because it is perfect, but because it deserves a higher average than 3 point something. This trail is NOT for beginners. I'm not even sure this trail is for hardtails (Bring on the flames from those who swear by steel hardtails). It is rocky, rooty, steep (in some sections), and technical. It can be fast, but that makes it significantly more challenging. If you enjoy long grinding climbs, go elsewhere. If you need super-fast flume ride single track, go elsewhere. If you must have breathtaking scenery to enjoy your ride, go elsewhere. But if you like OFF-ROAD riding and like to think of your bike as a pedal-powered Jeep capable of riding up and over anything, this is the place for you. That is not to imply that you can just blast or power your way through the tough spots. This is a finesse trail. The key to enjoying a trail like this is your ability to pick your line. Pick the right line, and you can climb any section. Pick the right line, and you can descend quickly without busting your ass. In all, this is a great trail. It is a little short, not very scenic, not too much elevation change, blah, blah, blah. But, it is a great mountain bike trail and only 12 miles from Nashville. Highly recommended.	Overall Rating:

Durgin from Baytown, Texas Date: April 18, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: On the Bike... not the Rocks!!! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: It�s a great workout to get back in shape� Lots of gradual up hill climbs and good small downhill descent to get your breath back� This trail is for the more advanced and in shape riders� But there is a small loop that�s 2.8 miles just for the weak at heart� Beware of the rocks� Not a great place to push your self to the limits unless you have full body armor on� One mistake and the next you know you just found a sharp rock�	Overall Rating:

Rock Head from Texas Date: April 7, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Advanced Side Other recommended trails in the same area: Bowie
Review: Rocky, hilly, muddy = fun. Watch out for that big freakin rock about halfway through, you could lose an eye on that thing. If you think your a mountain biker, go and ride this trail.	Overall Rating:

Paul Disbennet from Murfreesboro, TN Date: March 7, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: If you love fun, technical downhills, take a right at the beginning of either loop. If you like to test what you're able to climb, take a left at the beginning of the loop. Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Chickasaw Trace, Montgomery Bell (coming soon), and despite the drive up Monteagle, Franklin State Forest. If you think 'The Creek' is tough, try the 'hike-a-bike' section of the West Rim Trail. You'll think of Hamilton Ck. more in terms of parking lots than a tough trail. The views are breath taking.
Review: I love this trail. It is my favorite trail in the whole wide world. I like to climb the rocky more difficult side or the pinnacle to keep my climbing technique polished. For all out fun, I like to go barrelling down it for the air time that it provides in about 5 different places. This place is all about fun and satisfaction (on a bicycle). Learning to ride a bike is a prerequisite for this trail. Wearing a helmet and gloves are another. Don't whine about not being able to clean a section (riding through without putting a foot down, or 'dabbing'), just practice. If you still can't do it, walk it. Better yet, sit down and wait to watch someone who can clean that section and ask them how they did it. There isn't any section of Hamilton Creek that can't be ridden in both directions. I can do it, so can you. Knowing that it can be ridden should be a little motivation to at least keep an open mind to the idea. The bicycle is an amazing machine/toy. It CAN take you to some great places and through some tough terrain. Develop the motto/mantra 'RIDE EVERYTHING'. Read books/magazine articles that teach skills. Rent/buy videos. They can show you technique and how you can clean some truly large obstacles. Don't rag on the trail because YOU lack skills and the trail proves it. Don't bitch about how there's no maintenance being done, when you don't do any maintenance yourself, hypocrite. I do maint. on this trail because I don't like to ride through huge puddles 2 weeks after the last rain, and I don't want my favorite trail to wash into Percy Preist Reservoir (no, it's not really a lake). To sum it up: learn to ride, wear a helmet, and do some maintenance. Thank you, and good day.	Overall Rating:

jeff from franklin tn Date: March 1, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: hamilton creek is the no.1 nashville ride its got everything.it will kick your ass i dare anyone to ride three laps with me. Other recommended trails in the same area: lock 4,fairview(bowie nature park)
Review: lot of switchbacks great rockhopping jumping for as short as it is about 9.0 miles its pretty much got it all.i know every rock on this trail have ridden at least 500 times it never gets old or easier hahahaah if you wanna test your self go here often. p.s. hahahahaha those cars driving around the parking lot with no bikes are the local closet gays its a very strange phenomenon .reccomnend baggies over tight spandex	Overall Rating:

Dan from Chicago Date: February 18, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I went right (counter-clockwise). They should designate a direction on this trail. Head on collisions suck and visibility would be very low in the summer due to the foliage. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I dropped into Nashville from out of town and was looking for a place to ride. Hamilton Creek turned out to be a good choice. Lot's of rocks and roots, but don't get the wrong impression it's not all that technical-just mountain biking. Most of the trail is pretty fast. I hopped off and carried the bike through the muddy sections, so I didn't leave obnoxious ruts. Others should do the same, especially if you're not local and can't contribute to trail maintenance. What's up with the parking lot? In the time, I spent packing and unpacking my bike at least 10 cars slowly drove by then turned around and took off. Some even stopped and parked for 60 seconds then drove away. None of them had bikes. I got the feeling I was interrupting some strange meeting place. Bottom Line: In from out of town and looking for a place to ride. Ride it, it�s probably the best in the Nashville area.	Overall Rating:

squidman from nashville, TN Date: February 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: be sure to go to the right Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: great place	Overall Rating:

Andrew from Nashville Date: February 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Any of the trails, beginner or advanced offer their own challenges Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4 is great and very different in terrain, Canal Loop at LBL is pretty good, Fairview is an alright place to start
Review: This was the first real mountain bike trail i ever tried. It was a little rough going at first but it is a lot of fun. Favorite sections are the end of the beginner loop and the advanced loop that starts across Bell Road	Overall Rating:

Wishbone from Nashville Date: December 13, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Either direction is a kick butt ride. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: In regards to the people who complain about Hamilton Creek, I am 46 years old and consider the Creek to be the best riding around. It gives me a challenge and great satisfaction when I clean a tough section. The people who ride there and complain about the condition of the trail should get out and help work on it. For the people who don't ride there because it is too hard or the one's that ride there and whine about it are less than girls. I know this because my girlfriend loves to ride not only the short loop, but also the longer advanced section. In fact, she gets disappointed if we don't ride the advanced section while we are there. Come on you so called "Mountain Biker Tough Guys". The Creeek rules. It is not my fault that you are a bunch of sissys. Wishbone	Overall Rating:

CHUCK"GATORMAN"COOK from HENDERSONVILLE,TN.USA Date: November 27, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: JUST FOLLOW THE SINGS.WELL MARKED.FROM PARKING LOT. Other recommended trails in the same area: LOCK-4 .IS THE ONLY OTHER GOOD ONE IN THE AREA.
Review: THIS TRAIL ROCKS.THE TRUE MT-BIKE TRAIL. LOTS OF ROCKS, ROOTS,TREES,LOGS.IF YOUR NOT BLEEDING AT THE END OF THE ADVANCED PART,DO IT BACKWARDS OR AT NIGHT.THIS TRAIL IS NOT FOR ROOKIES....	Overall Rating:

Bo from HermitageTN Date: November 25, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: take first rt. Other recommended trails in the same area: Percy Warner park
Review: as a rookie in the mt. bike sport I rode this novice course without a problem. Hope IM not breaking some kind of rules by not wearing helmet. Kind of got some funny looks.	Overall Rating:

Rick from San Antonio Date: November 20, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock4. Dont waste your time at Fairview.
Review: This trail is awesome! It has something for everyone. The beginner loop is very easy with an occasional hill and rocky area to navigate. The advanced loop has a good mixture of easy swoopy singletrack and some fun rock gardens with ledges and dropoffs. You have to be able to ride this type of terrain, if you call yourself a mountain biker. This stuff is all ridable. There is one section on the advanced loop that is a small down and up with a large fallen tree at bottom. To clear the tree you need to ride over the top which is at least 3 to 4ft off the ground. To make things even more interesting the tree is at an angle to the trail, not perpendicular. At first glance it doesnt look ridable, but I tried it and cleared it on the first try. The scenery here is beautiful. The trail is well marked. You cant get lost. Only one negative comment here. Dont talk to non-mtbikers in the parking area. There are some weirdos here that are looking for a "good time" that prey on the unsuspecting. Why cant the police get these guys out of the park? Other than that, this is a dont miss ride if you are in Nashville.	Overall Rating:

Terry from Conyers, GA Date: October 29, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I got mixed up - see other reviews Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I got messed up and turned to the right instead of left at the park entrance. I found a trailhead and started riding. I got a late start and ran out of daylight before finding myself at what turned out to be the place I should have started at (near the BMX track). The trail was terrific. It is definitely rocky (per everyone's reviews) and kicked my tail quite a few times! The trail is getting worse press here than it deserves. It is challenging, but not so tough that it warrants so much complaining. If you find yourself in over your head, walk the bike a few yards and start again. I am giving the trail 5 stars because its rating is lower than it should be. I rate the trail about a 4+. I look forward to riding here on my next business trip to Nashville!!!	Overall Rating:

endo27 from Charlotte,NC,USA Date: October 16, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Turn right off the exit from Nashville. the park is a few miles up on the left. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I rode this trail last week. It was dry, fast and in great shape. I first rode this trail in 1995. It was my first MTB trail. I was hooked! This trail is well maintained and seems to be ageless( A good study of the destructive effects of MTN bikes). I'm sure the people who maintain the trail are dedicated and the rock surfaces help shed the water, but it hasn't changed in 6 years. Thanks for the memories and kicking my butt again!	Overall Rating:

Lisa from Atlanta, GA Date: October 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: I took a right onto the intermediate loop and then took another right at the split for the advanced loop and rode in a counter clockwise direction. Other recommended trails in the same area: Sorry, I am not from around these parts...
Review: This trail is great! Do not be deterred by some of the negative reviews that have been posted earlier. Yes, the trail has rocks and roots but saying it is a trials course is definitely an overstatement. The advanced trail has rock garden sections every so often with some pretty fast cruising sections in between to keep things interesting. Most of the rock sections required a bit of balance, but they were all rideable. There is nothing on this trail that I would consider heinous, but it may be frustrating for a beginner. I was in town on business when I rode this trail. It was less than 15 miles from where I was staying so I ended up going twice. It is definitely worth checking out if you are in town and need a place to go ride after work. We need more technical trails like this in Georgia. Most of the trails they build in our parks are meticulously groomeed and geared more towards beginner/intermediate riders. I also checked out the Fairview Nature Park (not too exciting) while I was there. I would definitely recommend going to this place instead, as long as you like a little bit of a challenge.	Overall Rating:

fishlippi from M'boro, TN Date: July 28, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: either way.. I like to mix it up so that I do not get bored with it.. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Well.. as there are so many reviews of this trail already I'm not sure what else I can add to this page. Like others here, this is where I cut my teeth into Mtn. Biking. When I first started out I remember saving up the dough to finally buy a REAL, good bike. I got myself a shiny black Canondale delta V700.. had the headshock, smooth looking frame.. I was ready to go. I went directly out to HC that first weekend. (important to note: this was also my first experience with clipless pedals) It was a cool misty morning, I was stoked to get going, and was off.. It had rained a few days prior and things were a bit mucky and slick.. as I was rolling through a few tech spots I felt off balance and went to dab my left foot on a rock to straighten up.. you see, the allen bolts connecting the cleats into my shoe had loosened.. so as I turned my foot, the cleat just swiveled in my shoe, but stayed FIRMLY attached to the pedal.. I ate it.. BIG.. and put a good ding into my new shiny black seatstay.. KAPING ! The moral of the story.. like many here have said, HC is a good proving ground for riders.. this is where I come to learn, practice, get the creaks out of my riding at the beginning of the season.. but you have to be careful on this trail.. it will bite but after a while, you'll learn to bite it back.	Overall Rating:

Chad from murfreesboro, Tn. Date: June 4, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: THE ONLY DOWNFALL 2 LOOPS. FULL SUSPENSION BIKES ARE BEST HERE Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: YOU EITHER LOVE IT OR HATE IT. I LEARNED TO RIDE HERE. SO, IT'S HOME FOR ME. THIS TRAIL IS NOT FOR THE WEARY. NOVICE RIDERS SHOULD USE CAUTION AND BE PREPARED TO BLEED. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE AND SHOULD BE THOUGHT OF AS A TECHNICAL TRAIL. NOT FOR RIDERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A SMOOTH FORGIVING RIDE. THERE ARE TRAILS IN THE AREA FOR THAT. THE BAD REVIEWS OF HC ARE GIVEN FROM RIDERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR JUST THAT. BUT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A TRAIL TO TEST AND HONE YOUR RIDING SKILLS, THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE. IF YOU SEE A RIDER AT ANOTHER TRAIL BLASTING THROUGH THE TECHNICAL SPOTS, YOU CAN BET THEY LEARNED IT HERE. THE HILLS AND ROCKS WILL INCREASE THE 'OL CARDIO/VAS, THE TECH SKILLS WILL IMPROVE AND THE RIDE WILL SEEM MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T HACK. SURE I LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER TRAILS, IT'S JUST TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF RIDING. THERE ARE PLACES YOU CAN CUT LOOSE AND FLY, BUT BE READY TO SMASH THE BRAKES. THE TRAILS HOLDS WATER IN PLACES AND SHOULD BE RIDDEN SEVERAL DAYS AFTER A RAIN TO HELP PREVENT ERROSION. AND DONT BE ASHAMED TO HELP WITH THE TRAIL MAINT. TRY STOPPING AT THE TECHNICAL AREAS AND WATCH OTHER RIDERS. "YOU CAN LEARN ALOT FROM A DUMMY". MIGHT EVEN SEE ME DO MY FAMOUS "OVER THE HANDLEBARS DOUBLE AND A HALF ROLLING SLIDE GET UP AND LOOK AROUND TO SEE IF ANYONE SAW FALLOWED BY MUCH PROFANNITY STUNT". STAY ON THE TRAIL, LEAVE NOTHING AND SAFE RIDING. OH, AND BE COURTIOUS TO OTHER RIDERS. SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE YOU CAN MEET SHARE THIS SPORT.	Overall Rating:

michael from nashville, tn Date: May 10, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Chickisaw trace
Review: O.K. I'm gonna get this out of the way and hope that no one gets offended by it. This trail is for those learning to become outstanding at balance and confidence building. If you can ride this trail without any major pain, than you can ride anywhere. Those of you that don't like the trail, don't ride it. It's not for everyone and isn't meant to be. I know it's hard on your bike and really hard on your body, but it can't be beaten for it's ability to make you a better rider! It is the only technical trail we have in Middle Tennessee (except for Chickisaw Trace ridden backwards) so take pride in it. I have been a lot of places on my bike and it hangs in there with the best of them. Great job Tommy!	Overall Rating:

Tubenerd from Nashville Date: April 20, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I like counter-clockwise... Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Montgomery Bell (when open for use)
Review: Well, I love and hate this trail: Love it--it really is fun, good little workout, smooth in places, rocky in places--challenging, but not too technical. Makes you think a little. The two loops take me about an hour to ride if I poke along, which is what I like to do after work. Close by home and work. Hate it--Wish it had more trails and choices. Doesn't work well when it is wet--very slippery on the rocks, and easily damaged trail where there is standing water. Is not good to ride in the winter. Had my renewed vehical license stolen from my car last fall. Seems to be a male cruising spot in the summer (which does not creep me so much, but it bugs some people. I mean, consentual adults are free to do whatever, blah, blah. I do feel that it may jeopardize the park use in general--I would hate to have this place shut down. Keep your damned hands to yourself...) Oh, and the novice loop should really be called the "intermediate" loop. I still like it, alot. It is similar to the type of riding you might find in north central Washington state. Easy to get to, challenging to ride, but it won't kill. Not really for beginners. PS, the back loop is generally smoother and funner to ride.	Overall Rating:

Toasterboy from nashville Date: April 2, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: the big loop obviously. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Just a note, its my favorite technical trail but the crime in the parking lot is terrible. Cars are being broken into at all times of the night and day (even 6am in the morning) and stereos are being nabbed. Its only getting worse. I suggest parking somewhere in town and riding the 2 miles of bell road as a warmup. just a thought. Still the same old hamilton creek. The gravel only goes so far on the little trail before you go under the overpass and then is the same beat the shi+ out of you trail. And what the hell, there is only one section that i can't get thorough WAY innto the back of the woods. Youre riding at the base of the small cliffs and the the trail youre riding on dissapears (landslide?) for about 20 feet into an impssibly steep slope, then curves around a rock and magically appears. Perhaps its not a part of the trail system but if there are guys who can ride through that then let me know how.	Overall Rating:

James from Westmoreland, TN Date: February 23, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I think this trail is a blast, although it is rocky as hell. When riding this trail you better be ready to be beat up along with your bicycle. And make sure that you carry a spare tube, you just might need it.	Overall Rating:

Joshua "Fatboy Racing" Jacobs from Martin, Tennessee, USA Date: February 12, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Any way you choose Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Land Between the Lakes,Columbia,Youth Town Jackson Tenn. (And coming soon GARRET LAKE in the Paris, Dresden area)
Review: I love to ride the Creek. It is one of the only real challenging trails in our area as far as bike handling goes. You need to know how to ride a Bike if you come here. If you are in to just making the wheels turn then this isn't your trail. I see others crying about it is to hard and needs alot of work. Well the work they are talking about is removing the all the tough sections from the trail. This trail is for the hard core riders and if you are not one then you might consider riding at a place you are more comfortable that doesn't hurt so bad :( There isn't a section out there that can not be riden and as far as speed goes that is one of the keys to cleaning sections there maintaining momentum. Believe me this course isn't as tough as some people make it out to be . Personally when I first started riding if there was a trail or a section of trail that I couldn't ride it just fired me up that much more to come back and do it again. That is what Hamilton Creek should be for people who cann't ride it now. It is your challenge, ride it ride it till you conqure it. I met Mr. Hatcher and seems like a great guy if he is working to do something in your area then everyone should try to help him. I am working in my area to try to get things started here. (building trails and all) and it is hard work. Everyone wants to help until to actual work comes into play then where are they? What it boils down to is Hamilton Creek is a Great Place to go Ride and everyone should be Very Happy to even have it and quit complaining about it being to Hard. The more you ride the easier it will Be. Ride on and Happy Trails to you all!	Overall Rating:

David from Nashville Date: February 5, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Front loop for quick and easy ride, both loops for a workout Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Fairview, and Chickasaw Trace
Review: Wow! Congratulations to the people who worked so hard on this trail. The new Hamilton Creek should be a very pleasing trial to a broader range of riders now. Anyone seeking an opinion on this trail can almost ignore all but the most recent reviews (including my first review). This is a different trial now. If you like Lock 4, you will like the new and improved Hamilton Creek. This is a much tamer version of the old HC. Personally, I will miss the nasty-rooty-rocky-guaranteed-to-make-something-bleed-or-break trail I loved so much. Hopefully, it will wear quickly and return to its previous mean old nasty state. Don�t get me wrong, it is still a great ride, but it was nice to have one really rough trial to mix in with the more groomed alternatives. Again, hats off to the hard work!	Overall Rating:

Scott from TN Date: November 18, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Start at main trailhead and then ride advanced setion counter clockwise. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I try to ride hc at least once a year since it was the first designated mountain bike trail that I ever rode. The trail appears to me to have stabilized and doesn't seem any worse for wear than 5 or 6 years ago when I first rode there. Thanks to the folks who are working to maintain the trail I know hauling that gravel is tough. Like many other people who have posted on this site I would point out that this trail has to be ridden with the right frame of mind. There are sections that I haven't cleared and I may never but I enjoy the challenge anyway. I would also like to say that this area should be appreciated for what it is where it is. In one of the most developed areas of this state hc is an oasis has many beautiful trees and limestone rock formations. So Nashville embrace this area and look at the development next door and realize how quickly this trail could disappear.	Overall Rating:

Scott A Foster from Smyrna Tn Date: November 7, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: left right clockwise counterclockwise ride ride ride Other recommended trails in the same area: Cedars of Lebanon ( secret climbs with massive rock technicals ) email me for ride nfo
Review: Props to Paul Disbennet for telling it like it is at Hamilton Creek. If you want to train for mountains east of us like Clemmer Trail or Lone Mountain. You really need flat hill climbing skillz honed before trying this tangle of roots, fallen trees and the occaisional boulder or two. Though there are places in need of repair, i smile as i think of ALL those protruding roots on every hill!! One of Nashville's best for the more than average rider.	Overall Rating:

Scott A Foster from Smyrna Date: November 7, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Pick one ... learn it every which way. Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Fairview, Cedars of Lebanon.
Review: Not for the begginer (try lock 4 or Fairview) but a great place to start honing skillz. While there are no Fire Tower climbs the average rider will get the heart rate going while trying to manage the many rocks and roots that make up this trail system.	Overall Rating:

Keith from Nashville Date: October 23, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Whatever floats yer boat. I'm a counter clockwise kinda guy. Other recommended trails in the same area: I'm the new guy here so I can only reccomend Fairveiw as it's the only other trail I know how to find. At least I'm being honest.......
Review: This is the first trail I've ridden in 13 yrs. I'm a former BMXer. I really love all the obstacles and drops and stuff like that. If this is what mountain biking is like in general, then I've found a new favorite sport. Fairview is cool for cruising but not near the fun and challenge of Hamilton Creek. Be warned, if you're a beginner like me, prepare to bleed a little. It's well worth it to try it though, great for practicing technical skills; i.e. BALANCE!!!	Overall Rating:

Paul Disbennet from Nashville, TN Date: October 22, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I ride both loops counterclockwise because the hills just seem to be more fun that way. Other recommended trails in the same area: When I'm bed ridden and haven't the strength for Hamilton Creek, I go to Lock 4 or Chickasaw Trace. I give it a rating if 4 only because it doesn't have a scenic overlook, lakeside setting, or a waterfall like so many of the places I rode in WV and Ohio.
Review: First off, I was forced to say that I ride this trail only once a week, when in reality, I ride it about 4 times a week when my schedule permits. Second, I wish all the people who complain about a lack of maintenance would just get off their damned bikes when their out there and fix whatever it is that seems to be a problem. When there's water accumulating in a spot, don't ride through it OR around it. Get off, pick up a stick, dig a small ditch so it will drain, lay some more sticks across the mud in an orderly fashion and you have a make shift bridge that will reduce erosion, and eventually decay leaving a relatively level area. Problem solved. Ride on. If you want an easy ride, go to the Murfreesboro green way. You'll find what you're looking for there. I go to Hamilton to have fun. It IS a challenge though, and is oh so satisfying looking back over your shoulder when you've managed to ride the whole thing without putting your foot down. If you want to learn how to ride over just about any reasonable obstacle and truly believe that the mountain bike is a go anywhere mode of travel, then you need to ride here. A friend of mine can 'clean' every section out here. She doesn't ride for a living. She rides for fun. I'm not a trials rider, but there's not a section out here that I can't get over in either direction, and I've only been riding 3 years. And no, I don't go around the big logs on the long trail, I go over them. Some folks say you can't get any 'air' at HC. They lie. Some folks say you can't go fast at HC. They lie. HC is fast if you know how to ride OVER stuff without crying about the fact that there's a 2 foot drop or a tree across the trail. Such is life. Complaining about mother nature showing up on the trail is like suing McDonalds because you spilled your own coffee on you and they were courteous enough to ensure that it was hot. HC rocks. There's nothing else like it unless you find yourself at Fall Creek Falls riding the trail that runs from Fall Creek to Cane Creek. Did I say something about having fun? Oh yes. If you're willing to put a little effort into it (you are on a bicycle, after all) you'll find that the reward of having survived Hamilton is very satisfying. Don't go into the woods unprepared for mechanicals though. Carry at least one tube, a pump, and allen wrenches. Of course, if you're here, you should already know what to carry. Above all, where your helmet and ride responsibly. If there's a section you're convinced will send you to the morgue, just get off and walk. Riding around the difficult section only makes for more erosion, and that's something most people are only willing to complain about. Please don't leave anything behind. Tying your punctured inner tube around a tree and leaving it as a mark for where you left your butt on the seat and flatted your tire is not acceptable. You carried one in, you can carry it out. Hamilton IS quite difficult when it's wet and is best left to dry for a day or so, unless you enjoy riding along and having your bike suddenly dumping you onto rocks and roots. Did I mention a helmet? This place is rough, but nothing like some of the places I've been in West Virginia. After a little riding in WV, HC seems like a parking lot.	Overall Rating:

DirtRagg from Nashville Date: September 28, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Look at the trail head, very good map LET'S UNITE FOLKS AND BUILD A NEW MTB CLUB FOR NASHVILLE, we must work at this to save and develop our trail system like knoxville, chattanooga and avoid the pitfalls of places like atlanta Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4, Fairview and I rode the Paul Altus trail last week. It was fun, short but fun
Review: I like it, but there isn't much of a choice. New trails are said to be coming. I hope so. I agree with the last note, as far as we need a better organization for mountain biking in Nashville. A city this size needs a big club that has a huge voice in the community fighting for trails, new or to keep the ones we have. We also need to take better care of our trails. Hamilton Creek is in very bad shape. I am to blame, and want to help get it fixed. Who do I call, who is organizing help? Someone show me who the real slim shady is, and let's get a club started and working for the trail shredders in middle tennessee.	Overall Rating:

PhatPhil from Mt. Juliet Date: September 23, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Man, you all can't make up your mind. you can mix this thing up a lot. It has several options for you to try. Other recommended trails in the same area: Maybe we need to LISTEN to some of these riders about making some cuts to go around the rough sections. Someone said people need to decide if they want to mountain bike or trail ride, well, what is wrong with wanting to trail ride. Maybe the hardcore folks need to decide if they want help from the average riders. Seems there is a lot more of them than the hardcore. What in the name of Phat Tire Glory would be wrong with cutting some alternative routes at Hamilton Creek to make it more of a attractive place for people to learn and get more people riding there. Is it that same old mentality that, you don't want to share your favorite hidden rides? The more people that ride the better it is for all of us. We don't want what happened to Atlanta to happen here do we? Where the club didn't cultivate members and lost many, many trails? Even the olypic course is going away. Let's get it together and restart a club to build trails for ALL riders, lets work together, not fight and exclude people because they don't want to ride over a 2 foot drop and replace their front ring every other ride or split their head open. Anyone? Anyone agree that we are better together than fighting. And Montgomery Bell is the same thing. Too tough for the average rider. It was built for the hardcore rider and isn't any fun to ride. Isn't riding suppose to be fun? Think about it folks. If it was your first Mountain Bike ride, where would you suggest you go to break you in? Hamilton Creek? Montgomery Bell? Lock 4? heck it even has more tree crossings than a pine forrest after an Ice Storm. Yes, Fairview is the only place a average rider or beginner can ride within 45 miles of here. That's a shame, WE should all be embarrased by the selfish attitude WE have shown to try and grow mountain biking. The only club I know of is the Summener County Club and they seem to do great things, but just up there, why isn't there a club for all of the midsouth? Active? working for ALL riders. I am done, I want to make it happen, anyone else? Anyone want to promote our sport and see it grow along with trail access? We need to organize. Tommy Hatcher is doing it all. Anyone else want to step up? And maybe help him with trails so that he doesn't build those ridiculously difficult trails? Someone needs to help the boy out and beat him so that he gets his pain fix in before he starts laying out trails. I'm kidding if Tommy reads this, but you know what I mean. Rant over, OUT
Review: This trail is really rough. It needs attention. What happened to the Mountain Trails Bike Club. I was a member and never heard what happened. I just stopped getting the newsletter? I was paid up for over a year? The Club or Mountain Bikers in the area should do something on this trail.	Overall Rating:

Brandon from Nashville Date: September 20, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: A great trail that gets bad reviews from riders who like fast track that don't contain technical section. Lots of technical areas (exposed rocks and roots mostly). Not a very fast trail but if you want a challenge it is hard to beat! I would give it a five star rating but I am always in pursuit of a better trail so I am leaving some room at the top of the rating scale for a better trail. P.S. You might want to bring some extra tubes.	Overall Rating:

Basil from Nashville Date: August 28, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: This trail is in good condition however I wish I could find a trail in Middle Tennessee that has more variety of terrian. Just because a trail does not have rocks does not mean it is easy. Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4
Review: I recently moved to Nashville and I chose to ride this trail because I was training for the 24 Hours of Snowshoe Team Relay Mountain Bike Race. It was a good trail to improve my bike handling skills. Some might say that this trail lends itself to a soft tail. I ride a hard tail and let me say - this trail makes you know your bike and your limitations. Beginers should beware: This trail will disapoint you if you are looking for a leisurely ride or even just fast single track. As far as the cotraversy I have read about refering to the difficulty of the trail I think Tim is right. All you nay sayers need to decide if you want to mountain bike or trail ride. And besides this trail might be tough but it holds no candle to a trail like Snowshoe or Canaan that is absolutely the most brutal terrain in the East.	Overall Rating:

TinCupp from Nashville, TN Date: August 8, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Advance Trail.. Other recommended trails in the same area: Chickasaw Trace - Columbia, TN Lock 4 - Gallatin, TN
Review: Lots of technical stuff.. Large rocks, logs, and plenty of roots.. A couple of good hills.. This course is not for the weak at heart or for beginners.. If you are looking for some technical riding this is the place, if your looking for speed and lots of air, this is not the place.. It is not the best, but if you live in Nashville eventually you will be riding it..	Overall Rating:

GregLAWDAWG from Hermitage Date: August 3, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: NOTE: the previous note with my name on it, was not me. Thanks for the impersonation. It is tough, and rocky, but if your a novice take your time. Other recommended trails in the same area: Fairview, Lock 4
Review: Hamilton Creek, is a tough trail, wear your helmet, don't read this, go back past the impostor and read Tommy Hatchers descreption.	Overall Rating:

GregLAWDAWG from HERMITAGE Date: August 3, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Don't, this thing needs work, bushes trimmed back, ruts smoothed out rock thrown off the trail and dug up .. Other recommended trails in the same area: fairview
Review: I just don't understand how people can say "we knew this would happen when we built the trail". come on this trail is not being maintained and "we" are going to lose it ... there needs to be some new sections cut and unless your a hardcore racing type who has been riding for several years this trail frustrates you ... there are tons of folks who would like to help, but you NEVER tell anyone or SPREAD the word or work on NETWORKING ... there is a small group who run the club and don't want help because if they get help they will have to listen to other people's idea's. WE need to have a broader mind and work to get trails that ALL can ride with enjoyment. There I have said it ... Fairview is awesome and a great trail all can ride. I sure hope Montgomery Bell is going to be be closer to Fairview and less like MB Tommy Hatcher, I hear (I could see) your work at Fairview was KEY .. good job man .. the new stuff is great, I'm sure MONT BELL is going to be incredible	Overall Rating:

Tommy Hatcher from Nashvegas, Tn Date: July 31, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Anyway that suits the rider,it is a two-way trail. Other recommended trails in the same area: Don't ride this course when it's wet! There is not enough soil left. It packs up on your wheels and ruins your bike parts as well as the trail itself. It is also extremely dangerous and slick after a rain so you would be well advised to avoid it. And PLEASE people,for your own sake wear a stinking helmet! You will look cool and save yourself a painful/fatal injury!
Review: I have to laugh at the individuals who whine about this trail, you guys need to practice! I was one of the original designer/builders of the trail and I can remember when it was ALL