The Hiking Trails of Calhoun County Park – Mt. Zion, West Virginia
Shaffer’s Loop is a single track on a section of private land called Shaffer’s Loop. This fun single track is very fast for those on bicycle. As you top the hill, turn to follow the edge of the meadow which will bring you by “Hunter’s Haven.” Going further brings you to “Gruesome Gulch,” where you will encounter “Duck R Die.” There’s plenty of room to get under – for those walking or on bikes.
Troop 39’s Boy Scout Trail is the first trail constructed by the local Boy Scouts. Bike and horse riders can travel fast through most sections but be careful on “Hodag Hill” just past “Round Spring,” where the downhill traverse can get very off camber at times. A couple of Oak trees growing at the wrong angle will keep riders on their toes. There are many places to rest in this section, where benches constructed by the Scouts are in place.
School House Loop is a mile long section of beautiful single track! There are some technical areas with dips and roots to keep riders awake, but hikers should have no problem.
Little Pond Trail begins with a short but steep drop into the woods and across the Park Trail which then leads to a downhill section. This single track makes a 160 degree right turn at the pond, where brake control and balance are a must for those on bicycle, or you could “go fishin’!” The trail then skirts the pond on a narrow ledge then across two little bridges (wet) only 14 inches wide. “Little Pond Hill” tests even the strongest. After a short sprint, you will return to the woods on “Log Hoppin’.” This fun section ends with a nice little “Puke Stack” – but relief is only a few steps away.
The Golf Course Loop is flat and fast. After a short slope you will make a left onto a gas line right-of-way. Follow it to the power lines at the top of the hill or the by-pass. This path leads you to the “Power Slyde,” the signature section of the Appalachian Classic Bike Race, held annually at the park. This monster downhill is named for the power line right-of-way, where bike riders reach high speeds over the 200-yard span. An alternate route was added for those who prefer to bypass the downhill run. ‘Bypass Trail’ is a sweet section of single track that cuts off to the left of the gas line right-of-way about 75 yards before the top of ‘Power Slyde’. This section has only one 50-foot section that is a little steep.
Riffle Ridge Road is great for bike riders, who can crank away to the top of the road to head back into the woods on “Kitty’s Trail.” Don’t let the name fool you! The nice riding over the first third of a mile is very fast for those on bikes, and terminates on a downhill haul road. “End of the Line” is well named. Don’t miss the “transition,” a steep off camber downhill that crosses a sharp ridge named the “Razor Back”.
The sun does not shine in the pristine area of Wet n’ Wild, and the trail meanders in and out of a small stream. Very popular with riders on bicycle and horse, this trail provides a little cool-down splash here and there. Cross a log or two and climb a bank or two, and riders arrive at “Beaver Slyde” which spouts plenty of run off and maybe a mud hole and some small stones at the bottom.
Bug Sucker Hill starts at the “Goat’s Face,” but the climb does not end there. As the trail begins to level, riders pass “Fort Rocks.” On the long, straight, gradual climb called the “Freeway,” you can see nearly 500 yards ahead! A long right hand sweeper takes hikers and riders back away from the barn to another great high-speed section. Turn left up the hill and take a right, down onto “The Gene Vance Trail.”
Ground Hog Trail is a bouncy downhill traverse which leads to a nice section of slightly off camber single track. A hard left up the Park Trail will take you around ‘Hole #5’, down by the #6 tee then down the pond road (stay to the right). Before you know it, you are back at the beginning.
For more information about Calhoun County Park, pavilion and conference room reservations or hiking trails, call Duane Poling at 354-6301.
