Description

While Jakes Rocks might be best-known for its technical downhills on Ursus and Black Snake, endurance-oriented mountain bikers can still log plenty of miles with substantial climbing in this trail system.

The route mapped here utilizes some of the more remote trails to build a respectable 20-mile ride with almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

And of course, you make this route even longer by working in some of the trails featured in the [Ursus Loop](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2779941/jakes-rocks:-ursus-loop) route. The route mapped here begins at the Bent Run trailhead, quickly climbing straight up the mountain on the newly-built switchbacked climb.

While you may encounter some downhill traffic, this trail was definitely designed to slow down the descenders and optimize for climbing, with grade reversals and well-constructed switchbacks with speed control featured prominently.

That said, you'll be returning down this trail on this out-and-back ride and will get to experience it both ways. Once on top, you'll connect across the beginner trails to the Elijah Trail.

This technical yet approachable XC-oriented singletrack traverses along the mountainside, leading toward the campground and boat launch at Elijah.

Even though this trail seems positioned in the trail system as a means to an end, the fantastic construction makes it one of the highlights of the route. As you get close to Elijah, you'll notice a split in the route.

While heading downhill, the route as mapped descends the more technical black diamond Bald Eagle trail to rip down the steep side of the mountain.

Then on the return, the route climbs back up the more approachable intermediate-rated Elijah Too, before then retracing your pedal strokes all the way back to the Bent Run trailhead.

However, if you aren't into technical descending, opting to both descend and climb Elijah Too will turn this entire ride into an intermediate-friendly affair. Be sure to enjoy a lunch on the lakeshore at Elijah before you turn around.

Not only did you earn it, but you'll need your energy for the steep climb back up and over the mountain!