13.4 miles
Distance
1,515 ft
Climb
-1,517 ft
Descent
1,149 ft
High Point

This ride is all about the trails Thunder & Lightning. Warm up on North Lakes ConnectorTrail to the Red Road. Climb to the start of Thunder - the price you have to pay for the fun to come. Descend Thunder to the Camp Road. Cross the Camp Road to the start of Lightning. After flying down Lightning turn right on Garrets Gulch which flows in the The Chimineys. Cross the BMX track road to Cat Dog Snake to the Red Road. A left and quick right before the North Trailhead takes you back onto the North Lakes Connector Trail back to the parking.

Detailed Description
OMSP - Thor's Hammer is a 13 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Birmingham Alabama. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 14 trails. This route climbs 1,515 ft with a max elevation of 1,149 ft then descends -1,517 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (bump.org)
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44 Reviews & Comments

  • + 1
JDCMTB2007 (Aug 24, 2022 at 18:15)
Trail Lightning
Definitely the most fun trail at the state park. Super fast and flowy and littered with jumps.
[Reply]
  • + 1
JDCMTB2007 (Aug 24, 2022 at 18:15)
Trail Lightning
Definitely the most fun trail at the state park. Super fast and flowy and littered with jumps.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Xxdanaxx (Aug 11, 2022 at 6:54)
Trail Garrett's Gulch
how is this trail a black Diamond?
[Reply]
  • + 1
WillieJacobsz TRAILFORKS (Aug 11, 2022 at 9:38)
Trail Garrett's Gulch
If you disagree with the rating, please submit your own rating on the trail page. It really helps the trail managers if enough people give their opinions. I f a number of people rate it the same as you do they will reconsider.
[Reply]
  • + 1
JDCMTB2007 (Aug 14, 2022 at 20:17)
Trail Garrett's Gulch
100 Percent agree. Although there is that one Black diamond gap jump on it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
JeffO59seq (Jul 17, 2022 at 10:29)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail, pretty smooth, but I wish it was one-way. Lots of bikes out on a Sunday.
[Reply]
  • + 0
JeffO59seq (Jul 17, 2022 at 10:29)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail, pretty smooth, but I wish it was one-way. Lots of bikes out on a Sunday.
[Reply]
  • + 0
JeffO59seq (Jul 17, 2022 at 10:29)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail, pretty smooth, but I wish it was one-way. Lots of bikes out on a Sunday.
[Reply]
  • + 0
JeffO59seq (Jul 17, 2022 at 10:29)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail, pretty smooth, but I wish it was one-way. Lots of bikes out on a Sunday.
[Reply]
  • + 1
JDCMTB2007 (Jun 10, 2022 at 18:08)
Trail Thunder
Very rocky and fast. watch out for small rock beds. Their are short climbs similar to lightning. All in all very fast and fun!
[Reply]
  • + 0
TreyChristensen (Sep 27, 2021 at 15:48)
Trail Lightning
Definitely a single black.
[Reply]
  • + 0
TreyChristensen (Sep 27, 2021 at 15:48)
Trail Lightning
Definitely a single black.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bgrav1 (May 31, 2020 at 18:37)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
This trail pushes me to ride harder than other trails because it's more fun fast.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bgrav1 (May 31, 2020 at 18:37)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
This trail pushes me to ride harder than other trails because it's more fun fast.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bgrav1 (May 31, 2020 at 18:37)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
This trail pushes me to ride harder than other trails because it's more fun fast.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bgrav1 (May 31, 2020 at 18:37)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
This trail pushes me to ride harder than other trails because it's more fun fast.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Olemanmtb (Dec 13, 2019 at 18:12)
Trail Lightning
Wish there was a shuffle up as only had time for one run down. What a hoot it was????
[Reply]
  • + 0
Olemanmtb (Dec 13, 2019 at 18:12)
Trail Lightning
Wish there was a shuffle up as only had time for one run down. What a hoot it was????
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bubblegumwuff (Oct 15, 2019 at 19:04)
Trail Lightning
A great mtb trail, probably my favorite in alabama
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bubblegumwuff (Oct 15, 2019 at 19:04)
Trail Lightning
A great mtb trail, probably my favorite in alabama
[Reply]
  • + 1
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:53)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail. This is built identically to Jeckl n Hyde but just less sustained climbing and newer as of 2019 so roots n rocks havent been exposed by rain tet.
Dont skip it bc someone rated it green. Yes is rideable by beginner but fun flow trail.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:53)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail. This is built identically to Jeckl n Hyde but just less sustained climbing and newer as of 2019 so roots n rocks havent been exposed by rain tet.
Dont skip it bc someone rated it green. Yes is rideable by beginner but fun flow trail.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:53)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail. This is built identically to Jeckl n Hyde but just less sustained climbing and newer as of 2019 so roots n rocks havent been exposed by rain tet.
Dont skip it bc someone rated it green. Yes is rideable by beginner but fun flow trail.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:53)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
Fun trail. This is built identically to Jeckl n Hyde but just less sustained climbing and newer as of 2019 so roots n rocks havent been exposed by rain tet.
Dont skip it bc someone rated it green. Yes is rideable by beginner but fun flow trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:51)
Trail Cat Dog Snake
Classic xc trail singletrack.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:51)
Trail Cat Dog Snake
Classic xc trail singletrack.
[Reply]
  • + 0
ajriding (Jun 2, 2019 at 7:50)
Trail Thunder
Jumps n turns. Watch out for gap jumps w holes after takeoff ramp if u are putsing down.
Not really a black until u go fast. Rideable by most anyone. But pros will enjoy it at intended speeds. Downhill only
[Reply]
  • + 2
JDCMTB2007 (Jul 13, 2022 at 8:36)
Trail Thunder
It’s not downhill only lol there are literally so many climbs.
[Reply]
  • + 1
borisimobike (Aug 31, 2022 at 8:49)
Trail Thunder
Indeed, and I used to climb it all the time. Fun both ways, great for repeats. Very rarely any traffic.
[Reply]
  • + 1
JDCMTB2007 (Sep 3, 2022 at 12:34)
Trail Thunder
Hey boris! How was Oak Mountain for you? Did you like Storyteller? If so what were your opinions on it!
[Reply]
  • + 1
ajriding (Sep 3, 2022 at 18:52)
Trail Thunder
This particular trails is the topic and it is marked "downhill only" . I think you are saying that within the entire trails system of Oak Mountain there are also climbs, yes, there are plenty of other trails, most are not marked with a direction. Trails on a big hill are climbs going up and descents going down. IF it is marked "downhill only" then watch for fast downhillers railing a corner, keep your head up just in case, no, not a lot of riders all the time, so possible to go up the down escalator and never see anyone.
[Reply]
  • + 2
borisimobike (Sep 6, 2022 at 8:22)
Trail Thunder
Hey AJ -- there is a portion of this trail (a different entry off of boulder ridge) that is downhill only, but thunder as a whole is not direction-specific. Lightning down below it is downhill-only, however! I think what JDC meant to convey is that there are some significant grade reversals on this "downhill" that make it far from a pure downward slope top to bottom.
[Reply]
  • + 1
borisimobike (Sep 6, 2022 at 8:24)
Trail Thunder
I enjoyed it! I think I came out on the hottest week on record in Alabama, so I b-lined straight to it from STH and pushed up from the bottom where it meets thunder so I could check out the lines. Some of the landings were a little short, and will probably erode quickly, but such is the nature of steep trails. Overall enjoyed the plop drops & terrain in general. I feel locals could probably use some "in between" features to bridge the gaps in technical requirements. Would love to ride again when it's not so hot!
[Reply]
  • + 1
JDCMTB2007 (Sep 6, 2022 at 17:38)
Trail Thunder
I come out here every single day! I love it here! Also yes thank you for letting AJ know because I think he missconfused my reply. I live here in Hoover. Wbu?
[Reply]
  • + 1
stumpy1980 (May 7, 2019 at 11:15)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
One of the best smooth flow trails at Oak Mountain. If you like Jekyll and Hyde you will love this! Highly recommend!
[Reply]
  • + 1
stumpy1980 (May 7, 2019 at 11:15)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
One of the best smooth flow trails at Oak Mountain. If you like Jekyll and Hyde you will love this! Highly recommend!
[Reply]
  • + 1
stumpy1980 (May 7, 2019 at 11:15)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
One of the best smooth flow trails at Oak Mountain. If you like Jekyll and Hyde you will love this! Highly recommend!
[Reply]
  • + 1
stumpy1980 (May 7, 2019 at 11:15)
Trail North Lakes Connector Trail
One of the best smooth flow trails at Oak Mountain. If you like Jekyll and Hyde you will love this! Highly recommend!
[Reply]
  • + 0
manglermixer (Oct 13, 2018 at 5:00)
Trail Lightning
What they said, single black trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
manglermixer (Oct 13, 2018 at 5:00)
Trail Lightning
What they said, single black trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
marcvane (Aug 30, 2018 at 11:53)
Trail Lightning
Really fun single diamond...
[Reply]
  • + 0
marcvane (Aug 30, 2018 at 11:53)
Trail Lightning
Really fun single diamond...
[Reply]
  • + 0
cdraper122 BUMP (Jul 30, 2018 at 18:10)
Trail Lightning
This is a single diamond trail
[Reply]
  • + 0
cdraper122 BUMP (Jul 30, 2018 at 18:10)
Trail Lightning
This is a single diamond trail
[Reply]





Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Oak Mountain State Park
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    XC
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    152
More Stats for OMSP - Thor's Hammer mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    530 ft
  • Altitude start
    621 ft
  • Altitude end
    620 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -32.8%
  • Grade min
    30.9%
  • Distance climb
    6 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    2 miles
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3D
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  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
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Photos

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Videos

more videos »
First drop in years.
First drop in years.
trail: Lightning
0:16 | 1033 | comments: 0 | favs:
Aug 29, 2017
My first "big" huck in five years.
oak mtn lightning trail
oak mtn lightning trail
trail: Lightning
2:38 | 1050 | comments: 9 | favs:
Nov 1, 2012
me & Chris rippin

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Lightning
Aug 21, 2022 @ 5:55am
Aug 21, 2022
Red Road
Aug 14, 2022 @ 4:45pm
Aug 14, 2022
A bunch of large trees down covering the road.
Cat Dog Snake
Jul 23, 2022 @ 5:49am
Jul 23, 2022
tree reporter
Thunder
Jul 9, 2022 @ 5:16am
Jul 9, 2022
The Chimneys
Jul 9, 2022 @ 5:16am
Jul 9, 2022
more reports »
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