Walnut Creek Park Has Some Challenging Cross-Country Riding

Walnut creek was one of the first trail systems I ever trekked to after branching out from my home turf. Years later, and much wiser, I can still say that this is an amazingly challenging ride (despite the lack of elevation), and some of the finest cross-country riding around.

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One way to cool down at Walnut Creek on a hot summer day.

Most of the trails here are somewhat rocky by nature, but this spot seems rockier than nature.

Don't forget to keep to the singletrack when crossing the grass.

It's not that there aren't any climbs in the park, but even the trails that don't have climbs are pretty difficult. I'm hesitant to call it technical, but if tons of roots and a healthy dose of rock gardens don’t make a technical trail, what does? Twisting and swooping singletrack too? Well, Walnut Creek has all that shit, and it's enough to really give you an ass-kicking, especially if you're lacking a rear suspension. Don't get me wrong, you could ride this place on a hardtail, but the punishment might not be worth it.

Built around a manmade lake in a secluded forest, the park's 14 miles of trail will feel like 20 after a few hours of pushing yourself. The Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club has been doing a stellar job of maintaining and rerouting sections of trail, but it's the trail-marking that really needs some work now. In a few locations, I'd come to a three or four-way stop and not have any idea which trail goes where. It didn't used to be that way; I don't know where the markers went, but some more obvious ones are sorely needed. Still, it’s hard to get lost here. Just about every trail will lead you to the lake or road eventually.

On the parking lot side is where you'll find the least climbing, but still a super fun downhill if you hit the circuit in a counter-clockwise direction. The first 15 minutes of trail ducks in and out of wooded areas and grassy lawns (Please stick to the trail across the grass!!), but quickly steps it up to root-riddled singletrack. We usually just keep making rights until we find ourselves back on pavement a half-hour later. There's one short climb here, nothing life threatening, and the stream proves to be welcome company. But remember, this doesn't mean the trail is level in any way, shape or form. It twists and swoops repeatedly, rarely giving you a moment to take in the beauty of the forest.

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