The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Glenwood
Location: Starting from Glenwood take Hwy. 70 west, watch for Hwy. 84 in Salem and take it going west. Stay on Hwy. 84 until you reach Langley then hang a right onto Hwy. 369, going north stay on Hwy 369 until you come to the Albert Pike Recreation area.
Type: Single track / loop.
Distance: About 17 miles.
Summary: This loop is actually part of a much bigger loop called Eagle Rock Loop. The loop consists of two trails and a road. The first trail coming out of the Albert Pike Recreation Area is the Viles Branch Trail that is accessed from with in the park just before you head into the RV section of the park. There is a nice little climb to the top of a rather large hill that has some really great vista's overlooking the park. Once at the top its all downhill to Forest Road 106, remember this road as you will be coming back on it. Cross the road and the Viles Branch trail follows the the Little Missouri River. You will end up crossing this river about two times. One crossing in particular can be a little tense if there has been a large rainfall in the area. There is normally a rope across this section of the river for you to hang on to so that the current does not wash you away. Most of the Viles Branch trail is pretty mild as far as climbing goes. There are some technical areas on this trail that require some good handling skills especially around the Winding Stairs area. Speaking of Winding Stairs this is a must stop area because it has one of the most breath taking views on this trail. There is a nice swimming hole in this area and if the day is a scorcher there is a cave just on up the trail that no matter what the temp outside is the cave is always cool, being supplied with cool air from a local spring. There are plenty of rocks and roots on this trail so be prepared. Some sections may even be hike a bike for the less experienced riders. After some really nice flowing trail through the woods you will come to a junction of the Viles Branch and the Athens Big Fork trail. Head on up the Athens Big Fork, it is on this trail where you will experience one of the longest, steepest and yet ridable climbs. Beware that in the summer months this section can get really hot because it is located on an exposed side of the mountain. After you make it to the top of Brush Heap Mountain you are setup for one really sweet downhill. Careful on the downhill as it can be loose in places and steep. Once your off the mountain you will cruise a little bit on some single track and eventually pop out on Forest Road 106. Turn right onto Forest Road 106 and this will take you back to the Albert Pike Recreation Area.
Recommended Route: Start at Albert Pike Recreation Area and head for the RV camping area. Look to your right for the Viles Branch Trail and take it up the hill. Follow this trail across Forest Road 106 and all the way to Athens Big Fork Trail. Hang a right onto Athens Big Fork and take it to Forest Road 106. Turn right onto Forest Road 106 and follow it all the way back to the Albert Pike Recreation Area.
When to ride: This trail is best during the Spring and Fall months. Winter is ok but the creek crossings can be bad. During the Summer months parts of this trail can be overgrown.
Rating: This is not a trail for a beginner. An advanced beginner and even some intermediate riders might find this trail daunting depending on their cardio and handling skills level. Most intermediates and advanced riders should be able to do this route with out much problem. Take plenty of water there are no bail out points
Other recommended trails in the area: Womble, Earthquake Ridge, Rocky Bottoms, Twin Pines, Briar Creek, Eagle Rock Loop, Little Missouri Falls