Arcadia Pine Ridge loop route

This is one half of the Cove/Little Cove - Pine Ridge Loop.

Park at the kiosk on Jennings Creek Road a bit before North Creek road. From the kiosk turn right on Jennings Creek Road, then left onto North Creek Road.

Climb up this road until you pass the campground on your right. Keep going and you'll come to the intersection of Forest Road 768 with the access road for the Cornelius Creek Trail. Turn LEFT to ascend the gravel Forest Road 768. This is a long (approximately two miles), winding, but not steep gravel road that will seem to go on forever. You'll reach a turnout on the LEFT at a topping out point and will see a sign that says "road ends 500 ft." Turn LEFT onto Forest Road 3027.

Go about 50 yards and you'll see a gate on your right. Go around the gate and enter the grassy rollers section. At the first intersection one mile in, turn LEFT. Turn LEFT again two more times (the Pine Ridge Trail #15 should be fairly easy to follow although in the summer months some spots get fairly overgrown.)

Your final left turn will take you up a slightly steep hill and then you'll be climbing singletrack again for a little while. Two short rolls followed by two short pitches and you'll then climb a less steep section to reach the top of Pine Ridge at approximately 10 miles into the ride. During winter months, take in the views of the surrounding peaks.

Pedal for about a quarter mile, enter some s-turns, then start the fast and furious Pine Ridge Trail #15 downhill. There is nothing technical to worry about for a while - just hold on to your hat, watch for fallen logs, and keep an eye out for sharp right turns. This is a 2.8-mile downhill with some water diverters that will boot you if you take them the right (or wrong?) way, and one short climb in the middle. Enjoy

At the bottom, turn LEFT onto Solitude Rd and enjoy the gorgeous view of the James River. Ride this to its intersection with Jennings Creek Road. On your left over the bridge is an old iron smelter. This is a good place for a snack!

Turn left onto Jennings Creek Road and ride a slight uphill back to the kiosk and your car.