Cedar Glades Black and Blue Loop

The Cedar Glades Black and Blue Loop is considered challenging, featuring sections that range from green to black diamond difficulty. Riders can expect technical portions with rocky and root-covered ground, significant climbs, and exhilarating, fast descents with high berms. While the broader Cedar Glades Park offers easier options, this specific loop is best suited for experienced mountain bikers.

This mountain biking loop is approximately 13.9 kilometers (8.6 miles) long. On average, riders can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 17 minutes, though this can vary based on skill level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or practice skills.

You can park directly at the Cedar Glades Park Trailhead. Cedar Glades Park serves as a primary access point for the Northwoods Trails system, and there is ample parking available at the park.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within Cedar Glades Park, including the Black and Blue Loop. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and local wildlife.

No, there are no permits required or entrance fees to access Cedar Glades Park or its trails, including the Black and Blue Loop. The park is open to the public for recreational use.

The best times to ride the Cedar Glades Black and Blue Loop are typically during the spring and fall months. The weather is generally milder and more pleasant, and the foliage offers beautiful scenery. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can bring colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions, making some sections slick.

The route features a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter long, fast sections, well-banked corners, and significant climbs with switchbacks. Descents can be exhilaratingly fast with loose rocks and high berms. The trail also includes numerous rideable creek crossings and technical sections with rocky and root-covered ground, characteristic of the Ouachita region.

Yes, the route is part of the larger Northwoods Trails system and intersects with several other trails. You'll ride sections of trails such as Trash Zamboni, Lowery, Waterworks (Blue), Wishbone, Zig Zag, and Smoke Alarm, among others, as you navigate the loop.

Cedar Glades Park is well-equipped for mountain bikers. It features a dedicated bike skills park with a jump line (including tabletops and wooden lip options), a skills area with various wooden and rock features for technique practice, and a pump track. The park also serves as a trailhead for the extensive Northwoods Trails system.

Given its 'hard' rating and the presence of technical sections, significant climbs, and fast descents, the Cedar Glades Black and Blue Loop is generally not recommended for beginners. Novice riders might find the varied terrain and challenging features overwhelming. However, Cedar Glades Park does offer a bike skills park and access to other, potentially easier, trails within the Northwoods system for those looking to build their skills.

For a ride on this challenging loop, it's essential to bring a well-maintained mountain bike, a helmet, and appropriate safety gear. Due to the varied terrain and potential for technical sections, consider knee and elbow pads. Carry plenty of water, snacks, a basic repair kit (spare tube, pump, multi-tool), and a first-aid kit. Weather-appropriate clothing is also crucial, as conditions can change.