Can there ever be too much of a good thing? Well, when it comes to the CAMBA trails the answer is a resounding NO! But, at the shop, sometimes we need to narrow things down just a bit. Here are some of our favorite rides categorized by skill level so you’ll have a few ideas on where to start your own personal love affair with our area trails!
BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE/FAMILY FRIENDLY
The HOSPITAL GATEWAY TRAIL is New Moon’s go-to trail for rentals and those either new to the area or new to singletrack. Located right in Hayward, the Hospital Trail is a true beginners’ trail but is fun enough for all abilities and ages—with little vertical, wide trails, and smooth, bermed turns. There are even some kicker jumps for those adventurous souls. About 5.5 miles of loops. It is common to see families with three generations all riding together at the Hospital—it’s a truly family-friendly trail! Bonus: stop and enjoy scenic views of wetlands and keep an eye out for biker-friendly deer, often just a few yards off the trail.
Just outside Hayward, the HATCHERY CREEK PARK TRAILHEAD has something for everyone (even if it doesn’t include biking). Ride about a mile of newly-renovated singletrack that is smoother, faster, and flowier than before. If you’ve got kids or folks who just want to have some fun, check out the pump track and the adjacent XC flow trails. And, do not miss the skills park—it’s for every rider. Practice your bike handling and balance on bridges and rock ledges, then head out to the trail of your choice!
The CABLE BIKE PARK is just pure fun whether you are 2 or 72. Increase your confidence and handling skills on this new trail full of features like flat tops, ramps, skinnies, and jumps. Make a day of it and play on the tennis courts, basketball court, or skate park. Campsites are also available.
One of Joel’s faves, The PATSY LAKE TRAIL is a more remote part of the Namakagon Cluster of CAMBA trails. Mild but adventurous, PATSY LAKE TRAIL rides by scenic lakes and through an upland stand of maples—you may even see an elk! This trail is a great spot to spend the day and camp, too. 14.8 miles of singletrack and two track. Pro-tip: watch out for the deer flies!
INTERMEDIATE
SEELEY PASS is probably the most recognized trail in the CAMBA system. It is about 8 miles of point to point singletrack. Semi-technical with fast connecting segments between features. “Wider and less rocky than some other intermediate trails,” Dusty says, “Seeley Pass gives you the option of getting gnarly on the new Martel’s Pothole Jumpline or cruising by with your tires firmly on the trail.”
Get through SEELEY PASS and you’re now onto FLOW MAMA—”Seeley Pass on steroids,” says Chris Y. Climb over the high point on the Birkie Trail and enjoy long swooping descents with fast bermed turns and optional jumps. Fun features include Gravity Cavity, 38 Special, and the River Pig Log Ride. This singletrack is approximately 6 miles and connects SEELEY PASS to old school throwback OJIBWE TRAIL.
ADVANCED
The ROCK LAKE TRAIL is one of CAMBA’s signature trails. 12 miles with cut-offs at 5.5 and 9.9 miles. This is 100% technical singletrack. “ROCK LAKE really tests your low-speed skills,” Dusty explains. “You can pick your way through it and fine-tune your bike handling.” Features like the Wall Street rock drop are legendary!
DIRT CANDY. This trails is a-maz-ing! A showcase of new-school trail design, DIRT CANDY is a 2.5 mile section of trail in the Cable Cluster that provides a connector between OJIBWE and ESKER (more of an intermediate, aerobic ride through glacial terrain). It features fast rollers, jump lines, and some of the most fun descending in the area. An optional most-difficult line includes a 9-foot high elevated spiral bridge with fast drop at the end.
These trails are really just a place to start. There are over 225 miles of mapped and marked trails to choose from, each with its own special personality. Give us a call or stop by the shop to plan your adventure. We have trail maps, rentals, and everything you need to have fun on the trails. See ya soon in CAMBAland!
