Lock 4

Lock 4

	Lock 4
Location:	Tennessee
Nearest Town:	Gallatin
Directions to Trailhead:	Take I65 to Vietnam Vets. Blvd. Get off on the Gallatin exit. Turn right on Lock 4 Road. This road should be at the 4th light after Vol State Communify College.
Trail Description:	This is a completely handmade trail. It has different sections denoted by colored arrows ranging from beginner to advanced.
Trail Length:	???
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Trails for all skill levels
Submitted By:	Gary Williams

jeff Dunlap from Nashville Date: April 6, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Either way works great. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek
Review: Used to ride this trail only when dry.What a snooze.Much better after a good rain.Sloshing and slideing your way through is the best way to enjoy this easy trail.Mudding you way down this trail also helps keep this trail from being so predictible by takeing on the natural shape of previous riders tire wash.Great mudding trail.	Overall Rating:

SS from MT.JULIET Date: March 26, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: follow the arrows Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: JO-BOB IS A A-HOLE!	Overall Rating:

Jo-Bob from Nashville Date: February 18, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Any and all. Other recommended trails in the same area: See list...
Review: Nice easy trail when dry.Lots of fun when wet and muddy.Most interesting when it floods.Don`t worry about the signs, this is public land.It`s always open.	Overall Rating:

J from Date: February 8, 2003 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I live in the 'Boro so I dont want to ride up there and find out that they are too wet to ride. So I always call the local bike store @ 615-822-2512. I dont know if they like it or not They get angry when people ride when wet so they shouldnt get mad if people call them to check on the conditions.	Overall Rating:

jilted from tennessee Date: February 3, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I went to ride this trail on February 2, 2003. I saw a sign that said the trails are closed for the winter, so I turned around. I do not get to ride this trail much, but I enjoy it alot when I do. I checked out www.lock4.org before I went and I did not notice anything about it being closed. It had not rained in the area for several days and I thought the trails would be dry. Again, I did obey the sign. Anyone else know a website or phone number to call to check the condition of the best trail in Tennessee? Thanks.	Overall Rating:

rob feature from nashville Date: January 6, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: follow the arrows. it looked like there were many combinations to be ridden Other recommended trails in the same area: any when they're dry
Review: now this is my kind of trail. it's mostly twisty singletrack with plenty of ups and downs. there's really nothing technical here, except for a couple of short spots that can be cleared fairly easily. there is some decent climbing to be done here as well...nothing really in the way of great elevation change, but great use of the terrain to add some ups and downs. heck, this may be the most fun trail i've ridden yet. the trail is divided up into sections. i don't remember exactly how many...14, i think. but it allows for breaks if you wanna catch a breather after a section. i'd recommend this one for very experienced riders and beginners alike. the more experienced riders will love the speed. the beginner should be able to enjoy this one as well. one thing i did notice...there are several eye-level bushes/branches, so eye protection is a good idea, but you always wear it anyway, right? this ride has a good mix of several trails i've ridden. a little bit of oak mountain (birmingham, AL), munny sokol (tuscaloosa, AL), and tsali (Bryson City, NC). it also has some sections reminescant of the Big Cypress Indian Reservation in South Florida. in other words, it's diverse. this will definitely go down as one of my favorite rides. if i could give a 6 rating out of 5, i would!!!	Overall Rating:

Jim Hargrave from Hendersonville Date: December 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Follow the race arrows. start at Silo Other recommended trails in the same area: After riding Hamilton Creek (near Percy Priest lake)Lock4 seems relatively tame, but welcome...
Review: This trail is close to Hendersonville so I get to ride it 3 or 4 times a week sometimes. Plenty of fast, fun singletrack with some dangerous sections thrown in. I learned to ride here and did'nt have any trouble busting my ass in several places. The trees don't move when you smash into them? I've taken 3 people out here for first rides and they came back hooked and ready for Moab!!	Overall Rating:

Sal Arias from Tampa, FL Date: November 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Trail is great. I must say that the hard work that these guys put up shows on the ride. It really does pay to not ride it while is wet. Well worth the wait for it to dry up. I had to ride it twice because quality trails are hard to find. Not a difficult trail, but then again, I was looking to ride and not to haul my bike over wild creeks, muddy areas, or absurb climbs.	Overall Rating:

BJ from Nashville Date: October 20, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trail is really nice to ride in the summer when it is bone dry. Lately it has been difficult with all the rain we have gotten. If you can ride on through the rain and have decent balance and dont mind slippin and slidin a little bit it shouldnt effect you too much. It is a whole lot better when it is dry though. To break it down though, Wet or Dry I really like the trail. Good luck to those who ride it.Have fun in G town and be on the look out when the rain comes in.though.	Overall Rating:

Bert Simmer from Nashville, Tennessee Date: June 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Love this trail, follow the signs race course for best route Can the Lock 4 folks lead a UPKEEP effort at Hamilton? Please! It needs your touch. Other recommended trails in the same area: Lock 4 is the bomb, Hamilton Creek
Review: Look, listen to them and don't ride when they say don't ride. That's how we have trails and how we keep from losing trails like other cities do. Remember when we had a trail at Percy Warner, Long Hunter. That's what I thought, you don't remember because we lost them years ago because of people not respecting the signs and riding in mud.	Overall Rating:

Jason (Tots) from Date: May 25, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Point yourbike into the trail and go. It's all good! Other recommended trails in the same area: Any. Just go ride!
Review: "L4" has got it all. I'm a beginner and some of the climbs are REALLY tough for me (roots, switches. etc.), but there are some sketchy, rocky decents that make it worth the pain. The trails are "closed" when it rains, which could be any second in TN, and they tend to be muddy for several days afterward. They say it's an 8-mile base loop, but the "west" loops are almost always mud holes in the spring. Take some of the side trails. These aren't marked as being part of the base loop, but are just as fun. On another note, there is a reason the "Smackdown" section has a sign that says "No Whinners" It's a lot of fun (even for a slow newbie like me), but there are large rocks and drop offs, wierd techie climbs and a sweet, fast rolling section that is a little to close to the lake for comfort! It rocks! Take every piece of safety equipment you have and ride it hard!	Overall Rating:

Jim from Nashville, TN Date: May 24, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: As others have said before, follow the red arrows and please observe direction. If you must ride it reverse, do it early in the morning. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek (if it's dry), Bowie Park in Fairview, Montgomery Bell (thanks, Tommy). If you travel to Oak Ridge, get on Haw Ridge!
Review: I've been riding mountain bike for about 2 years (this go around). Rode in the eighties and broke a few bones. Lack of places to ride pushed biking aside for other pursuits. Now that bikes are better and trails are more abundant, I'm wishing I'd stayed with it back when. As for Lock 4, it's one of my favorites. Good single track, roller coasters, and some technicalities. Hamilton Creek is more technical (Advanced Loop), but not as much fun I don't believe. Perhaps the fact that Lock 4 has a crew that takes care of it is the reason. Thanks, all of you. I find it interesting that no matter what the sport, you'll find participants that think trash-speak elevates them to a higher rank. Putting down one trail or another adds nothing to the sport. In fact, it raises suspicions on my part that perhaps folks that can't ride try to offset inability with criticism. I'm sorry, but it comes across a bit lame. Anyone who rides for the sake of riding will find this trail an absolute joy. Fun for novice to advanced, even beginners if they're careful. Please respect the wet weather suggestions and pass on it if it's muddy. It makes trail maintenance a lot more difficult. Go ride it!	Overall Rating:

Tommy from Murfreesboro Date: April 12, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Just follow the red arrows. Then check out the inside loops when you're done with the outside loop. Other recommended trails in the same area: Fair View is pretty nice also. Hamilton Creek is pretty good but in really bad shape.
Review: I went to Lock 4 last weekend (4/6/02) and had a blast. I have biked on this trail before but it wasn't in a great shape like it is now. Those guys that worked on the trail did an awesome job. I had a big smile on my face the whole I was riding on this trail. Riding in this trail made me realize why I love mountain biking in the first place. I usually bike at Hamilton Creek because it's closer to where I live. But after having ridden here, I don't think I would go back to Hamilton Creek. Unlike Hamilton Creek (lots of rocks and roots), Lock 4 is a very fun trail. It's not very technical but you get speed. I felt like I was going downhill the entire ride. There are long steep hills that'll get your adrenaline rushing like nothing else. There are some areas where you can get some air without running into a tree after you land. There are even areas where you would be literally riding on a wall (imagine coming down a hill really fast with a lot of sharp turns). This trail rocks! The faster you go, the more fun it is. The trail is very well marked. If you follow the arrows, I think it'll basically take you around the whole trail. The didn't have this before and I found that I keep getting lost and went around a small portion of the trail. Oh they even have warning signs :) I have never seen this before. It warns you of dangerous curves or whatever. They could add a little more though. I flew out of the trail and almost fell down a cliff because I was going too fast. Oh the trail seems pretty safe too. There are kids and families and a whole bunch of friendly people when I was there. I haven't seen any weirdos hanging in the parking lot like some other trails. The only thing that gets to me is people riding against the arrows. I'm over here flying down a hill so fast that everything is a blur, and the last thing I want to see is a group of people trying to get up that hill. I totally recommend this trail. It's very fun and well maintained. It's perfect for beginners and will even keep the pros happy. The trail is mostly smooth so shocks are not even required. But good brakes are a must. Heck, I think you can even use a Huffy here :D Don't bring a Huffy to Hamilton Creek or you'll be carrying what's left of it out of the trail (probably just the seatpost).	Overall Rating:

Rock Head from Texas Date: April 7, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek,and some atv trails in cheatham county, if you can find 'em.
Review: This trail is not worth all the arguing you see them doing over it. They live in a small world, there are thousands of trails out there. I saw a kid on a bmx bike and a twelve year old riding this trail. If your hardcore it won't appeal to you. But its a trail and you have a bike, so if you feel like riding, go for it.	Overall Rating:

Scott from tn Date: February 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: race course Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: These last two reviews make me so angry that I want to really flame the reiewers for their selfishness and complete lack of understanding of what it took to build and maintain the trails at Lock 4 and how easily they could be taken away. Your taxes pay for the roads so why don't apply the same logic and take a jackhammer and dig them up and see what happens. These trails are City of Gallatin property and all it would take is for one administrator to close these trails is to put up a no bikes sign but hopefully they will never do that if the property is well maintained. These trails were built by volunteers and not with tax dollars so don't you guys think it would be reasonable to respect their wishes that they don't become one big mud pit that doesn't dry up until July? Most trail damage occurs during this time of year when then ground is saturated and experiencing freeze/thaw. Sam, Les, Lee, David and many others have put countless hours into building a great trail system into an unlikely location every community should be so fortunate to have an Urban trail like Lock 4, but they don't because no one has gone to the trouble like these folks. Just because they can't punish with bike siezure or a ticket is not a reason to ignore their requests that you not ride there when it is wet. I know you hate to miss a ride because of trail conditions but there are other options, find a less ridden trail that isn't so affected by wet weather, ride on the road, ride downtomn and huck some stairs, but don't ride trails like Lock 4 when they are sloppy, it really makes a mess.	Overall Rating:

TNTRLRDR from Date: February 2, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: It is all a very nice trail Other recommended trails in the same area: The entire state offers some of the best Moutain & Road cycling in the South
Review: This trail is very nice and the people who "groom" it do a good job. The only thing I dont understand is how they close it when they (as far as I know) dont own it. It is the only trail I have been to that closes when it has rained the prior day. It doesnt stop me it just bothers me. My taxes pay for the land I am going to RIDE it.	Overall Rating:

David H. from Florida Date: January 20, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Follow Signs.HA,HA. Other recommended trails in the same area: NOT LOCK-4.TRY HAMILTON CREEK.IT"S not run by YUPPIES.
Review: I came from Florida to see a Mt.bike buddy that's from Nashville.We drove out to Lock-4.It rained the day before.When we got there we were met by two YUPPIES,that said that we could not ride that day.This is CORPS OF ENGINEERS PROPERTY.How can a couple of IDIOTS say that we could not ride there when the tax payer's of TN.own this land.In one of the review's,they said that if you ride there when it's wet that you would be DELT WITH.What are they going to do BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF.HA.HA.I DONT THINK SO.We went anyway.CATCH US IF YOU CAN..	Overall Rating:

CHUCK COOK from HENDERSONVILLE,TN Date: December 13, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: PARK AT THE SILO,AND YOU WILL SEE THE TRAIL HEAD.START THERE AND GO RIGHT. Other recommended trails in the same area: HAMILTON CREEK
Review: DAVID, AND ALL THE GUYS AT BIKERS CHOICE,DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS TRAIL.THE TRAIL IS 8.8 MILES,A GOOD WORK OUT.I WOULD LIKE IT A LITTLE MORE TECHNICAL,BUT I STILL RATE THIS TRAIL A 10.IT HAS SOME GREAT JUMPS,LOGS,UP AND DOWN HILLS,AND FAST PARTS.IT'S ALLWAYS KEPT VERY CLEAN.PLEASE DON'T RIDE THE TRAILS WHEN THERE WET.THAT'S A GOOD THING.BEWARE OF THE DEER.	Overall Rating:

David H from Gallatin Date: October 19, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: We try to ride from the silo parking lot over to the gravel mounds, then across the road for two loops, then cross back over to the shoreline trails and back to the parking lot. Total base loop 8.2 miles Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The trail at lock 4 is a 144 city park. God bless the city for letting us use it. Its nice that its so close to major restaraunts and shops. Starting from scratch, It took 9 years for us to get the trails up to its current length of 8.2 miles. IMBA quotes trail construction costs at around 3to5k per mile, so many thanks to the volunteers that have put in the trail construction. Its no wonder some are tight about erosion. We prefer construction over destruction, However we are happy to handle reg. maintenance. It has technical sections like smackdown, rock garden, sinkhole, and clorine hollow. Its no Northshore, but northshore is no Lock 4. You ever wonder why those guys build bridges, cause they cant find any hardpack dirt. We not better just different. If your looking for granny gear climbs, or 15 minute jeeproad climbs, there not here. One lap equals 450ft of climbing. When I want to do a lot of climbing at Lock 4 I just loop together 3 or 4 of the hill sections. Thats a key reason why we have so many intersections, so we can create loops to suit different daily needs and wants. The trails stay pretty clean but you have to watch for blow down. We groom it wide so we can look further down the trail for speed reasons and prevention of head on collisions with other cyclists. If you ride here. Race info @ www.tbra.org and club info @www.lock4.org Anyways, I have fun there. And I really am thankful for any land that I can ride on.	Overall Rating:

Eric Lindstrom from Nashville Date: October 17, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: As above, and it's easier to find Lock 4 road if you look for the overpass, the turn is just before it. Other recommended trails in the same area: Fairview is ok but the trails offered to bikers are limited, most of it is doubletrack, and if it rains anytime during the week before your w/e ride, expect to turn around at the entrance or hike. Hamilton Creek is full of singletrack but rocky, full suspension is best if you don't want hematuria the next day. If you want a technical challenge and want to burn some cals this is it.
Review: Sweet ride, no doubt about it. If your lookin for smooth rolling, fast, all singletrack trail, with river views, then this is nirvana. If anybody knows of an equivalent within 30 miles of Nashville, or knows of a map of Lock 4 please let me know.	Overall Rating:

Terry from Conyers, GA Date: September 20, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I got a bit confused with some of the forks and merges. See other reviews for route. Other recommended trails in the same area: The only other trail I have ridden in the area is at Monteagle - also a great ride.
Review: I was in Nashville on business and brought along the Cannondale for an afternoon workout. I found Lock 4 to be a really fun ride. Thanks a million to the two helpful (and attractive) Mtn Bikerettes that helped keep me from getting lost; lets ride together next time I am in the area!!! The trail had a nice combination of fast single track, pretty scenery and semi-technical sections to make for a terrific ride. I was surprised at how much ride was packed into the small stretch of property on the right side of the road going in. Three Cheers for the designers and maintainers of this trail!!!	Overall Rating:

Tommy Hatcher from Nashvegas Tn Date: July 27, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Race route is always the way I run it but you can create so many routes on your own its infinite! Other recommended trails in the same area: IF YOU CAN'T RIDE HAMILTON CREEK,THEN YOU AREN'T A MOUNTAIN BIKER!
Review: Kudos to Sam, Les , David and ALL the dedicated folks who loving take care of this trail! I have been riding it since the early days of its life and it has been developed into a truly FIRST CLASS singletrack! The Sumner club has really put their sweat equity where their mouth is and I am very pleased to see how many riders have complained about being told not to ride when its wet, they obviously were bothered by it! These morons are the reason we have to remain diligent in education about how sensitive trails in general are to abuse,this place proves that out! People who complain about a lack of elevation and speed need to have their heads examined because this trail is not about major elevation gains, go back out west for that or get your head out of the dirt whatever, and as far as speed goes they must be PUDDS! This trail is FAST-AS-YOU-WANNABE! GEEZE! We just raced this last weekend and it was soo fast that I ran off the trail a couple of times!HA! This is definitely a gem of a place that fills out the selection we have here locally and I have been to east Tenn and it is very nice but our local trails have everything you need and are alot closer to some of the best stuff I have ridden out west. So you whiners can "----" me if you don't like it here and maybe you should just move back there and STAY FOREVER! Leave the trail at Lock4 as you found it, PRIME! The latest improvements to the course are a blast(except for the jump right before a downhill left turn?!?!?!?)and have added some miledge to a very tight layout, but very fun stuff! The real thanks should go to the people who do ALL the work and recieve little support from all the USERS who BLATANTLY thumb their noses at them! These NO-COUNTS and their ass-i-nine comments should just be ignored anyway until they stick their treads on the wet soil,then they will be delt with! Thanx to all of you who do the dirty work and catch the flak because without you there would be no trail! I appreciate it everytime I ride it! THANX!	Overall Rating:

Numbskull from Brentwood Date: July 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trail would be good, but the yuppies who run tend to get in the way sometimes. It is a fairly easy course, one good thing is it has alot of speed on it.	Overall Rating:

Liam from hixson Date: July 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: The main loop is nice. Other recommended trails in the same area: Your best bet is Chattanooga. Stringers ridge has a beautiful view and is a very good track. You can also ride whenever you want. There are also many more to ride in the area.
Review: The Trails are good. Very well groomed. It is a very fast course not very technical though. For some reason they are picky when you ride it wet.	Overall Rating:

Chris Leech from Nashville Date: June 27, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Follow the red and yellow arrows. Other recommended trails in the same area: Columbia
Review: Great trail...not too technical, but watch out for the low-hanging tree along the short loop near the lake. My brother almost decapitated himself! Guess he should have taken off his visor.	Overall Rating:

Sam Poyner from Cottontown, TN USA Date: June 25, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Suggested route would be to what might be considered the main loop as it is the longest (approx. 8.8 miles). This route is marked with yellow and red flags. Note the trails are marked with a number and if you follow the sequence you should find the best route. After a time around, make your own routes and explore, its fun both ways. Be watchful of reversing though, there are some very fast downhills and rollercoaster sections that come up quick. Other recommended trails in the same area: Montgomery Bell is closed until this fall!! DO NOT RIDE!! Ride Mammoth Cave its a hoot, thanks to the Bowling Green League of Cyclist!!
Review: I'm one of the "grumpy" ones that spends his free time having to clean up after the numbskulls that insist on riding when its too wet. I've been to Chattanooga to work on Eagle's trails, funny I didn't seem him in the work crew. We have more changes in store for Lock 4, but if we have to back up and restore existing trails, they will delayed. Thanks to everyone that enjoys to trails and helps out.	Overall Rating:

Eagle from Chattanooga,TN Date: May 9, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Any one you want Other recommended trails in the same area: dont bother with them head to Chatt
Review: Trails are good and fast. They are very well kept, maybe too well kept. It is not a very challenging course. If you ride them wet, dont get caught they are real grumpy about people riding them wet. You do live in America though so do what you want. If you want realy want good Tenn mtn biking head south to Chattanooga. Thats the ticket. They have some of the best trails in the south.	Overall Rating:

R Hanks from Saratoga Springs NY Date: May 6, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek
Review: I lived in Hendersonville for 6 years and moved to NY last year. I really miss lock 4. I just want back last week on vacation and rode it twice. This is one the most fun places I have ever ridden. Which includes Moab and Tsali. When it's dry you can scream through the single track. There is no real climbing to speak of here. But if you want race through tight single track this is the place to go around Nashville. The great thing about the place is every year it changes do to some outstanding trailwork by the people who take of the trails. This last year has seem some major expansion and addition of some great switchbacks. The people doing the work here deserve a medal. The other great thing about lock 4 is its compactness. At any given time you are only 10 minutes walk from your car. So if you have a major mechanical you can get to your car get it fixed and be riding again. Even though it is compact it never seems congested. The other thing I would recommend is night riding there. It is a great place to do night rides.	Overall Rating:

Joe Blow from Madison Date: March 14, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Left then right. Other recommended trails in the same area: Poison Spider. Slickrock. I-24. A short trek: Moab, Utah.
Review: I haven't actually seen this trail yet, but it sounds kind of nifty. It's North, sort of east like, of Nashville. That's definitely neat. I really don't bike that much, but I drink like a fish and enjoy a cigarrette or two every once in a while. If anybody wants to join me for a beer sometime, meet me at the Beer Cellar this Saturday at 9:30 pm. Bye.	Overall Rating:

SCOTT SIMPSON from MT.JULIET Date: January 31, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Main loop Other recommended trails in the same area: Columbia
Review: This is got to be some of the sweetest singletrack in TN. This trail is tight, fast, and a blast to ride. We have had some problems with people insisting on riding when wet or muddy this winter, this has forced us to close the trail until March 1. In the future the trail will be closed from Dec. 15 to Feb. 28 and when wet. We would like to focus are time on building new tails instead of repairing damage caused by IDIOTS riding on muddy trails. There are several events held each year at Lock 4 including the Xterra a national off road multi-sport race. For info on whats going on at Lock 4 go to www.thebikerschoice.com or www.geocities.com/scmtb_2000/trailblazers.htm	Overall Rating:

Tim from Hendersonville, TN (Sumner Co.) Date: November 28, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Main loop. Make sure you hit the moguls in the first half mile. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I had not been on this trail in a while because I'm a roadie most of the time. Was pleasantly surprised by the recent maintenance performed by the local club. The track was fast before and is even faster now. All skill levels can enjoy this course. You'll see some deer and other wildlife. Enjoy the scenery!	Overall Rating:

Scott A Foster from Smyrna Tn Date: November 7, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I can only say to ride any trail in however many different ways you can. Other recommended trails in the same area: Fairview has the same fast rolling hills
Review: Fast, with intermittent technical runs. Mostly an entry level track but with some fun for all. Some parts are very close ( sometimes in ) to the lake so weather plays a major role here. If you are tired of flat track and want to start honing some skillz this is an excellent training ground.	Overall Rating:

TinCupp from Nashville, TN, USA Date: August 8, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Main Loop Other recommended trails in the same area: Chickasaw Trace - Columbia, TN Hamilton Creek - Nashville, TN
Review: Not a lot of Technical stuff here, lot of speed with a little air here and there.. Couple of good hills to climb, with a log placed in just the right place on one hill.. The track is well well kept.. If you like speed, and low technical track you are going to have fun here.. For the most part, no matter what your skill level is you can enjoy this track..	Overall Rating:

Rudy from Bowling Green, KY Date: June 4, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Mammoth Cave KY
Review: Smooth and fassst, well maintained, great for all levels. A great place to introduce someone to mountain biking.	Overall Rating:

XCFASTKID from Clarksville Tn Date: May 11, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Rode it during the Xterra Race Other recommended trails in the same area: Rotary in Clarksville, hamilton Creek in Nashville, LBL
Review: A very very fast trail! Tons of tight singletrack, up and down curvy wervy downhills! Looks kinda like a Rainforrest in some parts. Um it was kinda muddy the day i rode it so some parts were unrideable, but for the most part this trail is awsome for people whop crave singletrack. Not many loose rocky sections which was nice, so you can really let go on the hard packed dirt.	Overall Rating:

Todd Scott from Royal Oak, Michigan, USA Date: May 8, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I rode this trail during the XTERRA race. It was a good, fun trail. Unfortunately the recent rain made the surface a little too greasy to fully enjoy the trail. The bermed corners and technical sections were highlights. I'm glad the race course was well marked. I didn't see too much permanent signage.	Overall Rating:

kabe from albemarle, nc Date: March 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: hard to get lost, i think it is on a penisula so there are only so many ways you can go. Other recommended trails in the same area: not hamilton creek!
Review: rode this after riding a crappy nashville track i think was hamilton creek. what a pleasent suprise. this place was a lot of fun and is a challenge with speed. it would make a good race course and i hope to be in the area sometime when one is held. only thing i was dissapointed in was the lack of sustained climbs. the day i was there was perfect for riding and there seemed to be quite a few people there but i didn't run into any, always a pleasure. this is a track i would reccomend and will ride again when i am in the area. would rate this higher but again was thinking there would be more elevation gains and drops when you are in the mountains of tenn.	Overall Rating:

Sam Poyner from Cottontown, TN Date: January 4, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Any direction, but take the time to ride the main loop. Other recommended trails in the same area: Mammoth Cave
Review: I must say I'm abit prejudiced. Our club is the caretakers of this little gem. We are up there just about all the time trying to keep erosion at bay. We have re-routed several bad areas and have taken a less extreme approach to the climbs and descents. Hey, we're tired of cleaning up after all the clowns that insist on riding when its muddy and somehow miss the work days when its time to give a little back. We've been up there since 91 and plan on staying up there unless the city runs us off. Anyway, just opened another mile of trail since the Xterra event and its pretty good. Come tell us what you think, its on the west loop and called the west loop extension. Check out website and download map for details. http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/Curb/2659/ Thanks, maybe we'll catchya out there!	Overall Rating:

Sock Boy 2 from Nashville, TN Date: December 20, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Same, but be sure to take Lock 4 road all the way down, and go to the Brick grain silo for the trailhead. There are no markings except for a "no dumping" sign. If you get to the landfill at the end of the road, youve gone a little too far. Other recommended trails in the same area: Fairview, Hamilton creek
Review: Ok, I finally took the right direction on the interstate and found that its a lot farther than I thought. Gallatin is far...far away. But the trail itself is rad. Lots and lots and lots and lots of tight woodsy twisty singletrack with some good whoops and jumps. The stuff I like most. but you will get backtraced...period. I got there kinda late so the woods got kinda dark and it was even more fun. The weird thing is that there arent a whole lot of climbs. They are short enough that you could probably stand up on them and mash the cranks in a race. The loop next to the lake is nice and senic, but I got a little too distracted by the view and * SLAM *Rode straight into a nice sapling.A good race course, but somewhat lacking in technical sections and climbs, enough to keep it fun and fast, but small enough that a Full suspension frame would probably make it somewhat boring. A nice ride overall, completing the middle tennessee/nashville trilogy ( hamilton creek, fairview) but I dont think ill go too often.	Overall Rating:

SockBoy from Nashville, TN Date: December 10, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: NOT I 65 SOUTH FROM NASHVILLE!!!! GALLATIN IS POSESSED AND SWINGS NORTHEAST!!! Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton creek, Fairview
Review: I assumed that gallatin was south of nashville (like franklin/mufreesboro/Mt Juliet) so after an hour and a half of driving, I stopped and found out that gallatins 65 xit is NORTH of nashville...so I ended up going nightriding instead (see percy warner review). DONT SCREW UP AND GO SOUTH ... 3 stars for expectation... next week?	Overall Rating:

Jason B from Hendersonville, TN Date: December 7, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Follow the race route if the signs are up, and you won't double-back any. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek, if your health insurance is good.
Review: Fun for all levels. The few technical sections have bypass trails. Smooth dirt track, not many rocks or roots.	Overall Rating:

Brian G from Nashville Date: October 21, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: any you choose Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is one of the fastest places I've ever ridden. I try to get out there at least twice a week and it never gets old. There are so many different connectors and options you can ride different routes every time your there. The trails are well maintained and ultra smooth. No long masochistic climbs just quick ups and downs along with some really tight stuff. If your looking for shelter from Slamilton Creek, its worth the drive from Nashville.	Overall Rating:

Steve from Nashville Date: October 15, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Land between the Lakes
Review: This is the funnest trail in the Nashville are bar none. It is not overly technical (sections of Hamilton Creek can offer this, if desired). Lock 4 offers about 8 miles of generally fast smooth riding. Some of the trails are maze-like, but don't worry, you'll work yourself out quickly. The 4 whoop-de-doos near the beginning of the trail are awesome. Other than that, expect a lot of up-down-up-down combined with some nice scenery. A couple of sections sideline the river and are quite scenic. A beginner can handle this trail, but the greater your skill, the more you will enjoy it.	Overall Rating:

Tim from Hendersonville, TN Date: September 17, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Same Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek
Review: I ride this trail at least once a week, often more. The trails are fast but can reach out and bite. Especially when damp or wet. Rocks, roots, logs and a couple of fast downhill sections. FUN FUN FUN!!! Only minutes from my home. The Lock 4 Challenge is held a couple of times a year. The beginner race consist of 2 laps approx. 12 miles. The advanced race is 5 laps. The winners average 30+ minutes a lap. Trails are marked very well before and after the races. Try riding the day after a race for a really fast ride. The trail map was posted near the entrance until vandals torched it! Some areas are rerouted as needed to control erosion etc. Wish all trails were as well maintained. The Nashville X-Terra tour used these trails as the biking and running portion of the race. Hopefully it will return next year. Watch out for resident deer, snakes, turtles, and rabbits. I see some type of wildlife on almost every morning ride.	Overall Rating:

Steve from M'boro, TN Date: September 10, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: as stated above Other recommended trails in the same area: Franklin State Park
Review: Loved it. Heading back again tomorrow. Well worth the trip to ride the maze. Enjoy the r/c airplanes while you are there. Don't worry about the color arrows, take the trails as you wish. The west loop across the street is a fun ride.	Overall Rating:

Rick from Nashville Date: August 22, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I followed the directions above. Please note that once you exit off of 65 on to Veterns you are going to go all the way to Gallatin (10 miles roughly). 4 Lock Road is just before 109. Then down about 3.5 miles to the lake and the trail. I live around the Hermitage area so I opted to take 109 back to 40 and found it to be a better ride. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Fairview
Review: I consider myself an intermediate rider. I've been to Fairview once and ride Hamilton a lot (its close) and I have to say that Lock 4 is now my favorite and will be back there often. Found there to be stakes in the ground today marking a trail and refering to it as the Lock 4 challenge. Very easy to follow. Glad I didn't have to try to follow the different colored markers as they are not as easy to follow as these stakes were. My computer read that I had traveled a little over 6 miles including the short course across the street. You must go ride the short course across the street. Its worth it. Overall I found the entire course pretty easy to ride. I know my capabilities adn took my time. Some good climbs, some good down hills, lots of places to get both tires off the ground, etc. The roots and rocks are not much of a problem here. No were near as many to deal with as over at Hamilton. If the folks who upkeep this trail read this shoot me an e-mail, I'd love to help.	Overall Rating:

Lidarman from Boulder, CO Date: July 23, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: It's a maze. THere are signs posting different routes but when you moving fast, you miss some of them. I suggest a free form style. Pick a direction as you approach a fork and keep going. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek
Review: I rode this trail along with Hamilton Creek during a recent trip in July. This trail was extremely fast paced with great corners and jumps. The narrow enclosed feel really adds to the fun. Ride around the main trail a while but make sure you cross the road to ride the west loop. Do it twice--once in each direction. This trail has no real technical aspects or climbing to it. It is simply a smmothe windy course through forest with a few ups and downs. It's really fast and really fun. Like Hamilton Creek, there isn't a whole lot of traffic so you may be collecting spider webs if you ride early.	Overall Rating:

Jeff from Hermitage Date: July 19, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek
Review: First time to ride this trail and was pleasantly surprised. A lot smoother than Hamilton Creek. Very scenic with views of the lake and wildlife. Almost hit a 6pt. Buck! A fiew good climbs and some tight, winding, semi-fast downhill sections. The only problem I had was trying to determine which arrows to follow since I never found a trail sign denoting what the red, blue and yellow arrows were for. If someone knows, send me an email.	Overall Rating:

David from Nashville, TN Date: April 20, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: land between the lakes (KY)
Review: I agree with the majority of reviews about this trail, but have noticed over the years the routine closing of the more challenging parts of the trail, due to erosion I suppose. Riding this trail last weekend was rather disappointing when we were unable to ride the two main climbs in the trail. Overall, however, one of the better trails in the Nashville area, with a 4.5 mile long loop, and a 2.0 mile short loop.	Overall Rating:

Aaron from Nashville Date: April 12, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trail system is top notch. Very fast and tight, there are some really cool short, but sweet downhills,some small climbs, and some rough sections thrown in to test your technical skills. This is my favorite place to ride in the Nashville area. Don't forget to ride the small loop on the West side of Lock 4 Rd. (opposite side of the road from where the main trails start). Ther is a fun downhill and a really cool set of whoopy-de-doo's. (STAY AWAY IF IT HAS RAINED! IT GETS REAL NASTY)	Overall Rating:

Wade from Murfreesboro Date: April 5, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: covered already. Other recommended trails in the same area: Chickasaw Trace, FSF, Fairview.
Review: This is a fun trail. It has speed and bumpy twisty with a bit of techno. I like it. I don't recommend wet riding anything west of Franklin State Forest (Franklin Co.). It's just too mucky. The soil gets sandier as you go east.	Overall Rating:

Robert from Nashville Date: March 4, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: See above reviews. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek, Cedars of Lebanon, and Fairview.
Review: This is a good trail to ride. It is semi-technical with good sections to build up speed. Lots of up and down with plenty of opportunity to scare yourself when going fast. I wouldn't recommend it when it has rained, the rocks become slick and the hills unclimable. I really mucked up my bike in a rainy race a couple years ago. A good balance between Hamilton Creek and Fairview.	Overall Rating:

Tim from Nashville, Tennessee USA Date: March 3, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: From Nashville, Take 65 North to Viet Nam Veterans Blvd. Follow this to Lock 4 Road, which is 2-2.5 miles beyond Vol State Community College. This road will take you directly to the parking area. (Turn right immediately before the old silo and park by the lake.) Other recommended trails in the same area: Hamilton Creek - very technical, but a great ride Fairview - Nice area, but is a multi-use trail and gets washed out easily. Often closed due to wet conditions.
Review: This is one of the more scenic rides in the area, as the lake is visible from many points on the trail. Lots of twisty singletrack, so it's hard to build up much speed in most places, but overall a very enjoyable ride. The actual area covered is relatively small, but because the trail winds around and cris-crosses itself numerous times, it seems a lot larger than it really is. The terrain is generally fairly smooth (kind of a cross between Hamilton Creek and Fairview), with much of it being easily ridable by beginners. However, there are several technical sections (primarily steep drop offs and climbs) interspersed throughout, so it's advisable to be at least an intermediate-level rider before hitting the whole trail. I highly recommend riding the short loop across the road from the main trail. There's a very short but technical spot on it that's a blast to ride! There's a trail map posted near one of the trail heads, but it's hard to read (and probably wouldn't be very helpful even if you could because the trail twists around so much!) I recommend just going where your bike leads you - you won't be disappointed! One last thing. This trail can get VERY muddy after it rains, so either ride when it's dry or be prepared to go home well coated in thick Tennessee mud.	Overall Rating:

Mtnbker from Mtn's of TN Date: January 13, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: same Other recommended trails in the same area: none
Review: This trail kicks ass, but it is real nasty when it gets wet. I watched the race in '97 and watched people tear up XTR stuff. But when I rode it it was dry as a bitch. It is fast and tight, but make sure that everything is up to par so that you don't catch anything on the tight turns.	Overall Rating: