Biking
Bring the bikes—there are two real mountain-bike trails plus easy roads for the kids.
Table of Contents
- Two Mountain-Bike Trails
- Easy Riding for Little Kids
- Helmets & Safety
- Trailside Repair Kit
- Sample Ride Plan
Two Mountain-Bike Trails
Cuivre River has two trails open to mountain bikes:
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackhawk Point Trail | 5.75 mi | Easy–intermediate | Flowy woodland loop; a good first “real” MTB trail |
| Old Schoolhouse Trail | 3.85 mi | Intermediate | Rootier and rockier; rewards you with a view over Lake Lincoln |
Pick by rider:
- New / younger riders & families: start on Blackhawk Point—mellower and forgiving.
- Confident riders: Old Schoolhouse is the more technical, more scenic ride.
- Ride them as loops; turn around any time—no shame in an out-and-back.
These are shared, natural-surface trails. Yield to hikers and horses, control your speed on blind corners, and don’t ride them when they’re muddy (it wrecks the tread).
Easy Riding for Little Kids
Not every kid is ready for singletrack. For the 1–8 crowd:
- Paved/gravel park roads and the campground loops are great for training wheels, balance bikes, and easy family cruises (watch for cars).
- Ride to the beach, the trailheads, or the amphitheart as a low-key outing.
- A flat stretch near camp makes a perfect “learn to ride” zone.
Helmets & Safety
- Helmets for everyone, every ride—no exceptions.
- Closed-toe shoes; no flip-flops on pedals.
- Carry water, especially in the heat—rides are hotter than they feel in the shade.
- Bug spray + sun: the trails are wooded (ticks) with sunny open stretches.
- Ride with a buddy; tell someone your route and turnaround time.
- Watch for roots, rocks, and loose gravel—the hills here are rugged.
Trailside Repair Kit
Bring a small kit so a flat doesn’t end the ride:
- Mini pump or CO₂
- Spare tube(s) + patch kit
- Multi-tool (with chain breaker)
- Tire levers
- Zip ties + a little duct tape (fix-almost-anything)
Pre-trip: check tire pressure, brakes, and chain on every bike before loading.
Sample Ride Plan
- Cooler morning: confident riders take Old Schoolhouse for the lake view; meet back for a beach cool-off.
- Family cruise: everyone rides the campground loops / park road to a trailhead and back, little ones included.
- Evening spin: an easy after-dinner roll before the campfire (lights if near dusk).