North Alabama has miles of incredible trails for mountain biking, and the Greater Gadsden area’s Black Creek Trail system is one of them! Black Creek Trail currently consists of over 12 miles of trails of multi-use and singletrack trails adjacent to Noccalula Park & Campground! A novice cyclist, I set out to give it a try on a gorgeous summer afternoon.
First things first, you have to have a bike!
While most experienced riders have bikes and helmets, folks who are new to the sport or who want to give it a try, may not. Enter GO: Gadsden Outfitters; they have just started renting bikes at a daily rate! I arrive at GO, along with Greater Gadsden Executive Director Hugh Stump, (an experienced road cyclist), and we are fitted with bikes and helmets. Owner Trey Staples, along with his staff, give some instruction and away we go.
We decide to take a lap around the trail system at the James D. Martin Wildlife Park behind the Gadsden Mall to ease into it. It’s been a little while since I’ve been on a bike, and I’ve never really tried riding on a trail. You can comfortably ride the bike to the start of this trail; no transportation is necessary.
James D. Martin is a great place to start.
Flat and easy to navigate, an excellent place to get acclimated! We make our way down the long, gravel path, over to the boardwalk, and then head onto the island trail. The trail narrows a little here, and there are a few roots to navigate. The bikes are made to go over them, so go over them I did. I was surprised at the smooth ride and decided that maybe, just maybe, I could release the death grip that I had on the handlebars. Once I relaxed, the journey became even more enjoyable. We finish up and head back to GO to load the bikes into our vehicles. Next stop, Black Creek Trail!
The Black Creek Trail system is located adjacent to Noccalula Falls Park and Campground. Hugh suggests the Family Loop trail first.
Now, this is fun! The scenery is gorgeous, and I feel like I’m flying. We leave that loop and catch the main gravel pathway that leads to the rescue station.
Deciding to head back on the red trail, we end up in a dry creek bed, pedaling frantically over the rocks until we return to the trail. Even though the ride is challenging, we’re having a blast! The scenery is fantastic, it’s peaceful on the trail, plus we’re getting a good workout!
We make it back to Cascade Falls intersecting with the main road in the campground and finally head back to the parking lot. What a rush! I can’t wait to go again. If you’ve ever been curious, now’s the perfect time for trying it out. Experienced MTB rider? Put this on your list!
I encourage you to visit these great trail systems and enjoy all of the natural beauty that the Greater Gadsden area has to offer. In the words of the late, great Freddie Mercury, “Get on your bike and ride!”
Do you like to ride the trails?
We’d love to see your pics! Tag us or use #greatergadsden. You may be featured in an upcoming post. And remember, wherever you live, or wherever you are, be a tourist in your own town.
As always, thanks for reading!
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