Sycamore Trail - Mountain Trail

The Sycamore trail is the perfect mix of singletrack and double-track trail for all biking skill levels. It is a fantastic route for beginners who need to get used to their bikes.

The Sycamore trail is an easy out-and-back biking route with a diverse surface. Some sections are singletrack, and others doubletrack and paved. The trail is easy because the majority of its sections are flat. It only has a few rolling hills that make it fun for intermediate and advanced riders. The trail is open year-round, but we recommend you keep off in wet seasons. Here are its features in a nutshell;

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 Sycamore mountain biking trail has parking lots on both of its ends. You can begin your ride from the northern parking lot and head west on the nicely flowing singletrack until you get to a levy. Ride south to the levy’s top and continue until you see various connector sections on your left. Keep going along the west trail and top shelf.

You can turn left and explore the High Life section, then get back on the Top Shelf trail. Ride south onto the two-way traffic section and go on up to the split veer. On the tree-lined path, follow the power lines. You will get to where the trail splits into two. Keep left and ride the lake loop back to the top shelf trail. Stay on the top shelf trail and ride straight to the Trestle to Trestle trail. On your left is a pavement that leads to Tai village pond. Take another left onto the singletrack.

The singletrack is known as Sycamore South which is possibly the trail’s most fun-flowing section. It features a downhill drop that leads to the river trails. You can follow these trails to get to the South Parking lot or turn around and ride back the way you came.

If you choose to ride your way back, stop at the bridge at beaver creek ad descend the short, steep trail onto Sycamore North.

Ride along the creek all the way to Des Moines River. You will pass some small hills and an old mosaic-tiled porch before getting onto another intersection, which will be the two-way traffic area. Keep right to remain on the Sycamore North. Keep riding, and you will notice the trail widening all the way back to the parking lot.

Additional Trail Features

•       The trail has parking lots at both ends.
•       Several trails; Top Shelf, Trestle-to-Trestle trail.
•       Tai Village pond.
•       Bridge at Beaver Creek.
•       Des Moines River.
•       Old mosaic tiled porch on Sycamore North.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

The Sycamore mountain biking trail offers exceptional scenic views in different sections. You can ride the lake loop trail to the lake and stop to take in the still beauty. You can also ride to the Tai village pond for more adventure. Moreover, the Des Moines River makes the area more tranquil and scenic. The old mosaic-tiled porch at the Sycamore North is picturesque. You can stop to take pics of the gram as you take in the natural beauty in the surroundings.

Recommendations/precautions

•       You have to ride a paved bike trail to connect the trail’s singletracks.
•       Carry lots of water.
•       Avoid the trail in wet seasons.