Description

Built and maintained by the Valley Mountain Bikers, this loop samples the best trails in Walking Purchase Park—widely known as "Sals." Though the elevation gain seems marginal on paper, you have to earn every foot of it.

Rock gardens, log rolls, narrow bench cuts, and armored switchback climbs all combine to make this one of the top go-to rides in eastern Pennsylvania. Begin your ride at Dodson Park and follow the yellow connector trail to the loop.

Completed counter-clockwise, the yellow, orange, and red trails make up the first portion of the ride.

After a long gradual descent, enjoy the red trail as it flows west paralleling the rail yard.

Atypical of most of Pennsylvania, this segment is much faster and flowing, with armored portions to help with erosion. After passing through the lower parking area along Constitution Road, you begin a long, grueling climb lined with rocks and switchbacks that leads into "Girlyman." Follow the purple-blazed trail as it passes over logs, through intense rock gardens, and makes hairpin turns through the trees. The final gem of this ride is the boulder trail, an incredibly challenging line not for the faint of heart.

As the name suggests, the trail is strewn with jagged toaster-sized rocks ready to test the most experienced riders.

As an alternative, follow the blue bypass around for an easier option. Finish off this ride with a fun, rolling traverse heading east before making the final climb back to the parking lot.

For anything bike related or for a post-ride beverage, head to Hellertown.

A bike shop and brewery are separated by a short walk, and the nearby Saucon Rail Trail provides the community with a 7.5-mile multi-use path. Sources: http://www.bikevmb.com/trail/walking-purchase-park-salisbury http://sauconrailtrail.org/