Luther Forest - Hilly Loop Twice...

Luther Forest, Malta NY 

September 8th, 2012

This weekend I was hanging upstate with my Dad since Mom and Kittie were in Florida at Aunt Ro’s Funeral.

On Sat, the weather was a little cooler but still humid. I got up to Luther Forest after 10 AM and took the southeast entrance at the parking lot. I hadn’t explored the south side of the Park yet… There were moments of sunshine but most of the time, it was gray and cloudy. On the south side, the trail flow was a little different: long stretches of straight away thru woods with a denser understory. (See map at bottom of page)

Even with a map, I quickly lost my sense of direction and ended up doing a hilly loop twice. The side loop was a great bomb downhill but a tough slog back up – lots of roots on a steep incline so it was hike-a-bike for about 15 ft or so (As always, I need to pump a lot harder earlier and stand up sooner when I’m climbing...)

I finally got out of the hill loop and rode on the main trail further. I encountered a couple of bikers at a three-way intersection and showed them my map to ask directions. I wanted the recommended way to get across to the other side of the ravine.

After a short chat, I was on my way and soon found myself across the stream, winding along a trail at the bottom of the valley. It paralleled the stream for a bit and then curved way up the hill. There were quite a few trail choices here as well as another footbridge back across the stream but I just rode whatever trail I fancied at the moment!

I ended up riding up a nicely curved trail that followed the side contour of the hill. It’s curved, wide-switchback made the climb easier and soon I was skirting along the edge of another small ravine. Twisting and turning, this type of ledge-hugging trail was typical of most of the trails on the northwest side and – altho’ not that technical--its constantly changing, so you still have to stay alert as you ride…

One section I photographed demonstrates how the trail curves around a short “peninsular ridge.”

Ridge Peninsular Curve

 One section had a huge half pipe with a wooded north-shore-type ladder across the bottom and there was even a tall skinny made from 2x4s nearby (I didn’t attempt it).

Once again, I had no idea where I was but fortunately I ran into a couple who – once I showed them my map – told me were I “probably” was.

It was getting time to head home so I took my chances on a few more trails and found myself on an interesting ride around the circumference of a huge bowl-shaped field. This finally took me over to the other ridge area which I recognized from my ride back in April. I eventually found my way back to the parking lot…

It was a great ride. I can't wait to get back sometime to ride the rim trails again and try the half pipe – making sure to take a photo next time!

All in all – this park has great trail flow and kudos to the trail builders – it’s a fun place to ride!!