Blue Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek

Parking exists at the north end of the trail, but not the south. From the north end, begin at the access gate and head south towards the water. Very close to the beginning of the trail, you'll pass an information sign including a map of all trails designated for mountain biking within Loch Raven Reservoir. The initial stretch is relatively rocky but once you reach the water's edge the trail smooths out.

Bear left as you reach the water, staying on the more obvious trail. As you continue along, the trail gets fairly close to the water for the first half mile or so, which can make this stretch muddy. Farther on, the trail gradually leaves the water and enters the watershed of Overshot Run. Here the trail turns north and follows the west side of the run for awhile, crossing a small tributary stream along the way.

Before the 1.5 mile point, the trail crosses Overshot Run itself. This crossing is fairly wide, but contains flat, well-positioned rocks that allow one to cross without getting too wet. Immediately after the crossing, the trail travels uphill and continues on higher ground, heading back south now and gradually closer to the reservoir again. Around the 2 mile mark the main trail bears left and downhill onto a slightly better maintained fire road. This road winds down into another small stream valley, over a wooden bridge substantial enough for an automobile, and then along the hill on the other side. Shortly after, the trail passes through a powerline clearing. At around 2.4 miles, there is another small stream crossing followed by a substantial and consistent uphill, before a final flat section to the end. At the end of the trail is another informational map and a gate.

Be on the lookout for side trails throughout the trail, many of which lead to the water.