Valley Branch Retreat: Indiana's Cycling Melting Pot

Nestled in the rustic terrain of Nashville, Indiana, the Valley Branch Retreat paints a diverse canvas for mountain biking aficionados. With a whopping 30 miles of trails, this intricate network boasts features ranging from smooth, rolling singletracks to rigorous technical ascents, setting itself as an epitome of variety and thrill in the world of cycling.

Quick Snapshot

• Distance: 30 mi
• Level: Intermediate
• Route type: Network
• City: Nashville
• State: Indiana

Trail Diversity: From Challenging Climbs to Rolling Coasters

This extensive trail system harmoniously balances various terrains:

• Smooth, rolling singletrack akin to a roller coaster
• Bombing downhill singletrack, highlighted by sections like Viper, Chris's Crevice, and Indian Camp
• Downhill doubletrack routes such as Sunset, Lake Ridge, and Copperhead
• Technical singletracks: Gary's Gulley, Flying Flynn, and Wild Irishman make up this challenging segment
• Climbs that test your mettle: Wipeout, bottom of Viper, Turkey Run, and Around the Pond

Moreover, the Valley Branch Retreat is not just about biking. Its mountain bike-friendly owner offers diverse recreational options including paintball, camping, and essential shower facilities, making it a multifaceted retreat.

Getting There: Navigating to Adventure

From Bloomington, head towards Nashville via State Rd. 46. On entering Nashville, at the first stoplight, take a right to follow State Rd. 46 towards Columbus. Approximately 8 miles from Nashville, past a Marathon gas station, make a right into Mount Liberty Rd. Here, Green State Directional Signs guide the way. After about 0.5 miles to a Y junction, follow the Y to the right onto Valley Branch Road. In approximately 2 miles, the destination, Valley Branch Retreat & Paintball Valley, will be on the right.Those coming from Columbus can follow State Rd. 46 West towards Nashville for 10 miles. The rest of the directions mirror the aforementioned route from the Flea Markets landmark.

Rider Reviews: A Mixed Bag

Multiple cyclists have pitched in with their experiences:

• While many have found the terrain challenging due to leaves and occasional obstructions like fallen trees, others praise the trail’s potential.
• First-timers might find the trail network a tad confusing. However, any misdirection is quickly rectified thanks to the clear markings and intuitive layout.
• The owner, Gary, along with his friendly black lab, Shadow, often provides a personal touch to the riding experience, be it in the form of companionship on the trail or a casual chat post-ride.
• Several riders recommend visiting the trail during spring or summer for an enhanced experience, noting the dense leaf cover during fall as a slight impediment.

Final Take

The Valley Branch Retreat is an intricate tapestry of diverse trails, offering something for every rider, from novices to professionals. The resounding consensus? It stands tall as one of Indiana's premier cycling destinations. For additional information and updates, it's worthwhile to visit their official website.