Blue Marsh Trail Map

Updated May 2, 2011

The first time I rode Blue Marsh I got lost a half dozen times... sometimes for only a few feet, sometimes for a half mile. Yes, there are trail markers - white markings on brown fiberglass posts - but some are hard to spot and some just plain vanish from time to time. Some of the markers are cryptic... "hmm, is the arrow pointing that way or - that way?" Not the end of the world, but a better map sure would help. So I tweaked the existing BM map to add some detail about the little things... you know, where to turn, where to find water... little things that are nice to know.

The trail is a diverse mix of everything from old roadbeds to dirt farm lanes to forest singletrack. There are really no technical features on the trail, but there are roots and shale-covered descents which you'll need to pay attention to or suffer a little off-trail excursion.

An important note: this is a multi-use trail. Hikers and horses abound, so think twice about railing blind turns. Scared hikers aren't good for our image, and scared horses are downright dangerous. Remember, bikers should yield to all others. In practice, it's usually the hikers who step off the trail to let you by. A little trail courtesy and a nice "thanks" will go a long way to keep all the users happy on this trail, and ensure mountain bikers access to this great trail system for years to come.

Trail miles are marked by mile markers. Mile 0 is at the Stilling Basin (the dam outlet). The mile markers run clockwise from Mile 0 to Mile 29. There is no mile marker 30 because it's not quite a mile from mile marker 29 back to the Stilling Basin. Thus, the "big loop" at Blue Marsh is about 30 miles and is said to include 4400' of climbing. I have no reason to doubt that number and no one would call you crazy if you rounded up to 5000'. Luckily, that also means there is 4400' - or 5000'! - of downhill fun too.

Most riders will ride the shorter loop which is created by shortcutting over the Old Church Road (aka just Church Road) bridge between miles ~14 and ~21. This leaves out the old ski area and the highest point on the trail at ~558' above sea level. Note that normal summer water level is ~290'.

This shorter loop (which is also the original loop) is about 23 miles. Riders in good shape can do the loop in 3 hours or less. Plan on taking more than 3 hours if you're riding in a group and/or stopping to smell the roses every once in a while. There are some really nice rest spots along the way - everything from grassy spots to lake overlooks. Small groups will usually take about 4 hours including a lunch break. Big groups can easily hit the 5 hour mark with all the requisite regrouping, mechanical issues, etc.

Preparation is critical to enjoying your ride here. Despite the proximity to the lake, there is no drinkable water on the trail except for the Visitor Center, Dry Brooks Day Use Area (rest rooms) and Dry Brook boat ramp (behind the rest rooms). There are some soda machines at State Hill and Dry Brook boat ramps, as well as a concession stand at Dry Brook DayUse Area, but don't count on these being available when you want them to be... you know what they say about "assume".

Depending on fitness level and weather and ride duration, you will probably need about 2-4 liters of water for the 23 mile loop and an additional liter for the big 30 miler. You will also need to fuel your body before and during the ride. Some energy bars and bananas seems to do the trick for most, but bring whatever works for you. We typically stop about every hour or so to eat something - even if we're not really hungry. The constant barrage of hills can really deplete the old muscles, so keeping them as happy as possible will help insure miles of smiles.

If anyone sees any errors in the map, holler. There's a lot of trail and I'm not always coherent when I finish riding there. Some might say they couldn't tell the difference... but never mind that. Just go out and ride.