Collier Ridge, West Bandy, & Duncan Hollow Trail loop — Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

The loop often starts and ends at the Bandy Creek Campground, which is a convenient place to park and begin your ride.

You'll encounter a diverse mix of terrain, including rolling singletrack, gravel sections, and some paved road connections. Expect creek crossings, short slalom sections through trees, and both fast downhill runs and challenging climbs. Some areas feature exposed sandstone, reminiscent of slickrock, while others offer views along cliff lines.

The overall loop can range from easy to strenuous depending on the specific sections you choose. While the tour is rated as 'easy', the Collier Ridge Loop, for example, has both novice and advanced sections. The advanced route includes a sandstone ledge with a steep drop, numerous steep climbs, descents, sharp turns, and log crossings. Beginners should be mindful of these more challenging segments.

The Big South Fork area offers great riding, but be aware that trails shared with horses can become muddy and sandy, especially in wet weather. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and drier conditions, making them ideal for mountain biking.

As part of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, there are generally no specific permits required for mountain biking on these trails. However, it's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for any current regulations or entrance fees that might apply to the recreation area itself.

Dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to help maintain the trail's natural beauty.

Riders will experience the scenic backcountry of Big South Fork, skirting sandstone cliffs and descending to tributaries of the Big South Fork River. Some sections, like Collier Ridge, go across exposed sandstone, and other areas offer views along the cliffline overlooking the river, with several rockshelters accessible by parking your bike and walking to the overlooks.

Yes, this route is part of an extensive network. It incorporates sections of the Collier Ridge Bike Loop, West Bandy Creek Trail, and Duncan Hollow Bike Loop. You'll also find it intersects with trails like Duncan Hollow Bypass, Katie Trail, and North White Oak Loop Trail, among others, offering opportunities to extend or modify your ride.

This specific loop is approximately 21.5 km (13.4 miles) long and typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes of riding time to complete. Keep in mind that this duration can vary based on your fitness level, speed, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

For a more moderate experience, it's often recommended to ride the Duncan Hollow section clockwise. This approach provides a more reasonable climb and an easier creek crossing, making for a more enjoyable ride through that part of the loop.

Some sections of these trails are shared with horses. This means you might encounter equestrian users, and the trail conditions can sometimes be muddy or sandy, especially after rain, due to horse traffic. Always be courteous and yield to horses.