Swift Creek Beginner Loop - Mountain Bike Trail

Opened in 2015, the 7-mile Swift Creek Trail System at Pocahontas has been a popular go-to spot for kids and adults who enjoy mountain biking. It contains multiple flow-style and progressive trails ranging from beginner to expert level. Several of them can even accommodate MTB riders. If you’re looking for a scenic, quiet trail with a good view of the Swift Creek, make sure to check out this trail system!

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The best place to begin the ride is in Gateway 1, a relatively flat region with rollers, banks, and other features built into an extra-wide tread. There is a skinny buried on the same level for beginners and pros who want to practice holding their line. 

After completing both Gateway Loops, find the entrance to Bell Lap, a downward flow trail that can be revisited through singletrack or fire road climbs. It is a one-way loop trail with a downhill path leading to a small section of the fire road at the bottom. Following the fire road, turn right onto Singletrack to climb back to the Blueberry Hill trailhead. Don’t worry, it will be an easy, pleasant climb through woodlands and pines. If you’re fit, you could even ride it quickly. Who knows? You might even encounter a jump or TTF on your way up.

Once you’ve climbed to the top of the Bell Lap, turn left on the Blueberry Hill Loop. Below the Forest Exploration crossing lies a convenient spot where you can rest on a bench and take water breaks. However, exercise caution when riding through this part as the trail intersects with popular walking trails and Forest Roads.

Once you’ve completed Blueberry Hill, you can go back to the trailhead via the access trail or add another lap or two, depending on your choice.

Keep in mind that the trails are on gravel fire roads which get quite muddy after the rain. You might also encounter a lot of baby frogs along the way.

Additional Trail Features

• Extra fees: To access the Swift Creek Trail, you have to pay the entrance fee to Pocahontas State Park, which is $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends for standard vehicles.
• Obstacles: The majority of the trail has a low incline, but there are steeper parts when you ride counterclockwise. Kids, beginners, or those with mobility equipment may need some assistance when going through the steeper parts. Better yet, avoid them completely for your own safety. Additionally, be careful when navigating some doubletracks with a raised center portion that creates uneven cross slope.
• Trail surface: The trail is built on gravel fire roads at least 8 feet wide. Hence, it is best to use all-terrain tires or motorized equipment for better navigation of this trail.

Sights of Interest, Landscape, and Views

As the name suggests, the Swift Creek Trail offers a scenic view of Swift Creek within a quiet, beautiful woodland. Along the way, you might spot a campground, tree canopy, and some fauna like deer and frogs.

Recommendations and Precautions

We highly suggest that you take this trail when the weather is nice and sunny to avoid muddy trails and flooded areas. After all, the majority of the trail is shaded by trees. 

Make sure to bring a map as well to avoid getting lost in the woods. Apparently, there are not enough signages within the area. Therefore, some visitors find it difficult to find their way around the trail.