New Mountain Biking Trail Opens in Graham County

This past Saturday, April 12, the USFS held the grand opening for a new mountain biking trail in Graham County. This collaboration between the US Forest Service and the local revitalization group GREAT has brought the first new trails to Graham County in years.

The 9 miles of trails will be open to both bikes and horses and will use a combination of current and old forest service roads connected by some areas of single track. Most of the trail will follow the shore for beautiful Santeetlah lake, giving some awesome views as you overlook the lake. 

To get to the trailhead, follow state road 143 (Massey Branch Road) north out of Robbinsville toward the Cherohala Skyway. Turn right when the road dead ends and the trailhead parking area will be about 2 miles on the right, at the intersection of 143 and Snowbird road. An alternate parking area is at Long Hungry road, further down 143 near the Carver Cemetary.

Two maps can be found below, one with the topography shown, another showing the two loops that make up the trail system. I haven't gotten the chance to ride this trail, but when I do I will certainly share some pictures and advice. Happy riding!

Trail map (no topo): http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/SanteetlahBikeTrail-1.pdf

Trail map (topo): http://spokeyjoe.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/santeetlahlaketrail_portrait.pdf