The Schooner Factor

This is a game changer. Things will never be the same. Before and after. Whatever cliche you want to use, the new Schooner Trace expert trail at Brown County State Park is going to make a huge impact. Bike shops will sell bikes with more suspension. Locals will take their riding skills to a new level. Tall tales will be told. Pain will reign supreme. Bruises and scrapes will appear -- then shin guards. Who will be the first to clean the entire length of this beast?

Although almost all reviews of the mountain bike trail system at Brown County State Park have been glowing, many people have stated that the singletrack was so flowing that it lacked a high degree of technical challenge. Perhaps that was a fair statement. Until now. The 6 mile loop of Walnut Trail (Advanced Black Diamond) and Schooner Trace Trail (Expert Double Black Diamond) will challenge the best mountain bikers around, while at the same time retaining a nice touch of that famous Brown County flow. Those that can clean the rocks, dips, logs, bridges, narrow trail, ravines, drops, moss and switchbacks will notice that there's still a nice flow and rhythm hidden in there.

People are already asking, is it like Squirrel Gap Trail in Pisgah, NC? Is it like West Virginia with it's slick rocks and exposure? Is it reminiscent of this or that trail in Fruita, CO? Nope. It's pure Brown County through and through, but not like you've known in the past. Come ride it if you dare.

Thanks to Alex Stewart for the trail design and the photo!