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The Wilds

reviewed 9/03


The Wilds is a place typically known for animals. So when we got the invite from Heath to come out and ride some MTB trails we wondered how many animals we would encounter along the way. As it turns out the MTB trail is on the other side of the road from the preserve. They have 14 miles of trails currently and plan to add more as they have a ton of land to work with.

The Facilities – None to speak of. The parking lot is a grassy area with no bathrooms or kiosk. The trail is brand new so I'm sure there will be some facilities added in the future. You can take the long drive up the main wilds entrance if you have problems relieving yourself behind bushes.


Coondawg commits the ultimate endo


The Variability – There are many different facets of a trail represented in The Wilds 14 miles. Rock gardens, a few logs here and there, many off camber roots, and some whoop de doo style ascents and descents. About the only thing this doesn't have is a long DH. You'll find more short, steep uphills and downhills here. The thing that sets this trail apart from others is the jumps. There are about 6 log ramped jumps along the way. The first two end on steep runout that can be intimidating and aren't for the squeamish. The other four are somewhat milder with better landing potential. If you aren't into frequent flier miles each jump has a bypass route. 


The Flow of the trail is good. Being a new trail, there are parts that are still overgrown and soft. When we ventured to the "older" part of the trail it was noticeably more hard packed and faster. As it stands now this trail leaves no room for daydreaming. You are either powering up something, navigating around something, or jumping off something. Daydream factor is Zero. Think AEP with a splash of Dillon and a twist of Vultures Knob.....shaken not stirred.
The Condition of the trail was decent considering the amounts of rain we had this summer. There are absolutely no ruts or widened paths.

The Trail designers took full advantage of the landscape. Every rocky area they seem to hit full force. All hills were doable in both directions. Nothing to absurd either way. About the only thing this trail needs now is riders to pack the trail down and some better signage. The maps are well detailed but the trails aren't marked well at this point.There's no linear loop and there are many routes one can take. Heath stated that they don't want a linear loop but want to give people the option of choosing there own path.

Moab


Tucker shows how not to go down this drop




 


Wilds GPS Map
(Click for larger Image)


Wilds AOA Map
(Click for larger Image)
Seasonal riding conditions:
The wilds was damp when we rode it . It seemed to hold up well after the monsoon we've had this summer. No major mudholes. 
Directions:
The Wilds Trailhead is located at the intersection of State Route 146 and Zion Ridge Rd. It is in the field directly across from Zion Ridge Rd (north side of 146).

Zion Ridge Rd is 6 miles west of Cumberland, and 18 miles east of Zanesville on State Route 146.

If you are east or north of Cambridge, take I-70 west to New Concord exit 169 head south on 83. Turn right in Cumberland on 146 west, and go 6 miles look for Zion Ridge Rd on your left. Parking lot is on your right.

If you are west of Zanesville, take I-70 to 146 east (7th Street exit follow Wilds signs) once you are headed out of Zanesville on 146 east, go about 18 miles look for Zion Ridge Rd on your right. Parking lot is on your left.

If you are South of Cambridge head north on I-77 and exit at Belle Valley (exit 28) and head west on 340 to Cumberland. Head west on 146, and go 6 miles look for Zion Ridge Rd on your left. Parking lot is on your right.  Wilds Website