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Winberry Tie Trail climbs fairly steeply (at times through dense brush) for about 0.3 mile till it emerges onto a spur road. Turn right here and ride along this road for about 50-60 yards to its intersection with a larger gravel road. The trail continues here on the left. Continue another 0.6 miles to the intersection with Winberry Divide Trail.<br />
The Tie Trail is all uphill, and tends to get a little overgrown with brush in places. The Divide Trail consists of a series of climbs followed by downhill sections. The trail is fairly smooth with few rocks, roots or other obstacles, although it is a little rutted from wet weather use in places. Expect lots of switchbacks and plenty of exertion. No matter which direction you are going here, it's work! The return trip is a bit easier, though. It starts and ends with fast, fun downhill runs--especially the last mile down the Tie Trail to your car. It's a little treacherous at first, but quickly turns to fairly smooth , fast downhill with some tight switchbacks and a lot of whoop-de-doos. Watch out for both of these.<br />
At several places the trail dumps you out on Forest Service or old logging roads. The continuations are easy to find, though, as they are never more that 100 ft. or so from where you come out. The signage is generally poor, so take a good map and compass. Also, take all the water you will need as there is none available here during the summer months.<br />
The total pedaled elevation gain for the whole ride is nearly 4,500 ft. due to the ups and downs of the Divide Trail. The overall actual gain is considerably less, however. If, when you reach the east trailhead, you've still got the itch to go futher, continue on the Tire Mountain Trail to the mountain or beyond to Alpine Trail. Many loops, and other ride options are available. AdventureMaps and TreadMaps both describe a number of options.
Leave Lowell going north on Lowell-Jasper Rd. Take a right after about 2 miles at the Unity Covered Bridge onto Big Fall Creek Rd. Just before crossing the creek at about 1 mile, turn right and head toward Winberry Park. Travel about 4.5 miles past the park and to the end of the lake. Continue right on Winberry Creek Rd. about 5 miles till just before Winberry Campground. Turn right onto South Winberry Creek Rd., cross the bridge and drive about 1 mile to a bridge that crosses the creek on the right. Follow this steep, rocky road approximately 0.6 mile to a poorly marked trailhead on the left (you almost have to look back to see it). Here begins Winberry Tie Trail.
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