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* Firebreak Trail *
West Loop
Single Track
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The Firebreak Trail west loop is 1.7miles (3km) long. It's a typical single track that twists and turns through several stands of really tall pine trees intermixed with smaller hardwoods.
It was 62 degrees this day, good enough for shorts & a lite sweater.
Along the way, are lots of exposed roots, loose rock rubble and sand. Trail cover is what locals called "pine straw". The needles from these trees are almost 1ft. long and look like straw. Very easy and smooth to ride on for the most part, but braking or skidding downhill will pile them under the tires.
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* Firebreak Trail *
West Loop
Tech Section
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Along this trail, there are minor tech sections to make things interesting. Fallen trees, exposed root sections, and loose rock streambeds that look innocent enough.
The trail section here is well-worn, but as you can see, time for a decision. Off in the distance, at the bottom, there's a small plank bridge crossing a stream (very scenic). Because the trees are very tall, the roots are big and extend right across the width of the trail.
It was such a beautiful day for riding. No wind, not many people & the smell of pine in the air.
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* Connector Trail *
West Loop
Single Track
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The Connector Trail is 0.9miles (1.5km) long and a little more twisty and hilly than the first section. This is primarily for biking and doesn't see as much traffic as the "loop" trails.
It's mostly hardwoods along this stretch of trail, therefore lots of leaves to cover up nasty stuff.
There are 3-4 downhill climb combinations through the valleys as you wind your way to the back of the park. There was 1 very nasty downhill root section with a right turn over a plank bridge a the bottom. *yikes*
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* Connector Trail *
West Loop
Speed Bumps
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After coming downhill through a twisty track of trees, there's a clearing and a stream at the bottom. The trailbed here is actually very slippery because of the small loose pebbles covering the hard-pack and the mud and water ruts that like to catch a front tire.
Of course, notice that there are some really nasty roots sticking out, JUST BEFORE the bridge. This park really planned the obstacles well, to make "speed bumps" to slow you down in just the right places.
After crossing the bridge, there's a climb through sand and more roots.
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* Trail Intersection *
Connector Trail &
Stewardship Trail
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This is the trailhead for the longer stewardship trail which goes very deep into the forest. It goes to the left and right from here and is basically the "back loop". There are 2 small benches behind me. As you can see, the scenery is stunning.
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Harbison State Forest, Columbia
