Catamount Trail (Lower)

This trail runs through beautiful ancient forests, passes huge fallen trees, crosses several streams, and offers a very unique riding experience to a wide range of riders. While intended to be ridden downhill, east to west, the trail can be ridden uphill-- excluding the uppermost section which is marked for downhill only.
Optional features, such as small stump kickers, drops, and a few log rides increase the downhill rush for riders perusing more of a thrill. These are easily navigated at a lower speeds, or bypassed, for people who want a mellower ride. Steep sections followed by short punchy climbs encourage momentum, but to maintain a high speed your fitness will be tested, especially towards the lower sections.

Built entirely by volunteers, the trail is very impressive. While most definitely having technical and demanding aspects, it is not overly excruciating, balancing rooty and rocky raw trail sections with smooth and polished flow.
However you choose to ride it, you will not be disappointed with the scenery.

Access Info

Park at Trailhead 214 (A parking pass for Silver Falls State Park or an Annual Forest Pass is required. You'll have to drive a little ways down the Silver Falls Highway to purchase a pass at one of the falls parking lots. You can also buy them online)
The trail can be climbed up by following the signs across the road, or you can climb the gravel road (Lookout Mountain Road) to reach the top. State Park may enforce parking fee ($5/day or $30/yr).