I don't know that I have a favorite ride. However, I dearly love Ballard Trail. Tough, lots of rocks, roots, hanging off your back wheel, etc. Mossy Rock is often used to climb as is the double track Hoffman Hollow. Most others are better ridden down. You can ride up Middle Ridge Rd., hit Middle Ridge Trail and access the trail you want to ride down, then loop back around, up Middle Ridge Rd. again and down another.
From I-64 in Charleston, take Exit 58A, go south on US 119 a little over a mile, go left on Oakwood Rd. (second stop light), follow the brown and white signs for Kanawha State Forest. Look online for the forest and print the pdf map from their site. Trail descriptions, etc. <br /><br />There is more than just technical challenge. Davis Creek Trail is a good one for the beginner with only one or two tough sections. Lots of climbing to get to most trails. Middle Ridge Rd. will give you access to many great trails like Ballard, Black Bear, Mossy Rock, Pigeon Roost, Polecat and Teaberry Rock trails. Other trails are accessed from the main road.
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