Trail Talk – November 2015

If you were thinking that winter would bring your cycling season to an end, you may want to reconsider! Jacksonville’s Forest Park offers miles of trails to be explored, and opportunities to keep your level of fitness maintained until next spring!

Now, keep in mind that the following information is recommended for trails that are not wet, muddy, or slippery, as those conditions will only result in erosion and ultimate deterioration. If those conditions occur, avoid the Forest Park trails and opt for an isolated Forest Service road with better all-season surfaces on which to ride.

If the weather and soil conditions are good, the trails in Forest Park are prime for off-road riding year-round. Eighteen miles of trail are designated for biker and hiker use together, with one other trail designated “biker only.” The rest of the trails are set aside for hikers only. That doesn’t mean you can ride “hell-for-leather” on all of them, as there are some hairpin turns due to steepness of slope. To the best of my knowledge, these are all two-way trails, meaning you could meet up with someone coming from the other direction—so pay attention and never ride beyond your capability!

Many of the trail heads have signs indicating “allowed uses,” in other words, whether or not a trail is “bike only,” “hike only,” or both. Please pay attention and adhere to these rules for the benefit of everyone.

In the Forest Park, there are 7 parking lots, so your options for loops, distances, and degrees of difficulty are limitless. The main road leading to all these parking lots was recently re-surfaced, so negotiating these in the winter shouldn’t be a problem. Of course, snow is always a possibility, so be prepared.

Since we’re on the subject of preparedness, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car just in-case you get stuck, have a flat tire, or have to spend some time in the woods. Warm, dry clothing, some food and water, first aid kit, and even a sleeping bag are good to have along. In the Forest Park, cell phone coverage can be spotty, so don’t depend upon it!

Always remember to pack out what you pack in, leaving the area as you found it for others to enjoy. Have fun, be safe, and ride responsibly in the Jacksonville Forest Park.