FATMAP by Strava

Reddish Knob: Timber Ridge and Wolf Ridge

A classic ride with a long descent off of Reddish Knob.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
30 km
Ascent
1 km
Descent
1 km
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
522 m
High Point
1.3 km
Gradient
10˚
Reddish Knob: Timber Ridge and Wolf Ridge Map

Whether you're a traveler or a local, Reddish Knob is a must-visit destination in George Washington National Forest. Typical of many mountain bike trails in the Shenandoahs, this loop pairs a long gravel climb to an incredibly rewarding and lengthy descent.

Description

Begin by parking at the trailhead off of Tilghman Road or at one of the many pull-offs along Briery Branch Road. A small lake up the road makes for another popular starting point, though you will end your ride with a short ride up the road instead of at your vehicle.

The climb, nearly all gravel, begins by paralleling a river steadily uphill. After passing the lake, the climb intensifies as the road roughly follows a ridge. Briery Branch Road dead ends at the state line where it intersects another forest service road. Keep left to finish the climb to Reddish Knob.

A paved parking area atop the mountain summit provides some incredible 360-degree views from nearly 4,400 feet. A painted line on the pavement denotes the border between Virginia and West Virginia. The parking lot also makes this a popular ride to shuttle.

The most common way to descend from the summit is to follow Timber Ridge to Wolf Ridge. A gap in the guardrail leads into a steep drop-in that is just the beginning of an incredibly-rewarding 9-mile descent that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Fields of scree intermingle with off-camber cuts as you descent through dense forest lined with laurel.

At the junction with Wolf Ridge, keep left to begin part two of the descent. Leaving the ridge, the trail follows a steep hand-cut trail that leads into a section full of flow and a few opportunities to catch some air. After a series of switchbacks, the trail ends at the parking lot where you began.

For some post-ride grub and drinks, Harrisonburg provides plenty of options for whatever you're into.

Sources: https://freehubmag.com/articles/backyard-frontier https://www.bluestonebikerun.com/blog/2016/7/5/the-top-of-reddish-knob

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Shuttle-run
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Road sections
  • Wet-weather friendly
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens