This trail is permanently closed/decommissioned
more stats
2,900 ft
Distance
45 ft
Climb
-227 ft
Descent
00:11:13
Avg time
-182 ft
Altitude change
390 ft
Altitude min
590 ft
Altitude max
590 ft
Altitude start
410 ft
Altitude end
-6.3%
Grade
-44.8%
Grade max
23%
Grade min
581 ft
Distance climb
2,159 ft
Distance down
164 ft
Distance flat
00:11:13
Avg time

Widow Maker (closed) Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Jackson Demonstration State Forest
    Mendocino, California
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Black Diamond (1 vote)
  • Local Popularity
    20 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Widow Maker once was one of the most popular trails in the area. Unfortunately, due to a large landslide, steep terrain, and frequent erosion, the trail has been permanently closed. Erosion from the trail increases sediment load in Jug Handle Creek, negatively impacting salmon spawning habitat.

The name "Widow Maker" comes from a common logging term for branches that get stuck in the canopy while felling trees, eventually falling and potentially causing injury.

Access Info Restricted Access

Scheduled for Abandonment. Please do not use.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 0 rides
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All
  • 32 rides
  • Last: Jul 17, 2026
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Widow Maker (closed) Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Sep 11, 2020 @ 10:30am
Sep 11, 2020
 There is washed out section of the trail that requires a somewhat sketchy hike-a-bike.
Aug 23, 2020 @ 7:01pm
Aug 23, 2020
 Don't be like me and try to ride this trail without looking at reports first. Wasn't fun. Not a mistake I'll make again!
Aug 1, 2020 @ 3:48pm
Aug 1, 2020
 I’m new to the area so I wanted to find some more technical trails and was wondering why it’s called Widowmaker... ? I followed my trail app...
Jun 22, 2020 @ 2:32pm
Jun 22, 2020
 reporter I'm just going to say the upper section of this trail is closed. It's got multiple issues, besides the major slide, that make it very difficult to...
Aug 11, 2019 @ 11:35am
Aug 11, 2019
 A significant amount of hike a bike required and looking for route options due to the slide/downed trees.
more »
Status:
on Sep 11, 2020
Avg: 3.86 (2 votes)
Your vote: 0

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        Directions to widow-maker-closed trailhead (39.366380, -123.759200)

        Photos

        4 more »
        report
        mtb
        132 |
        Aug 12, 2019 @ 9:08am
        Aug 12, 2019
        report
        mtb
        101 |
        Aug 12, 2019 @ 9:07am
        Aug 12, 2019
        report
        mtb
        210 |
        Jun 23, 2018 @ 10:27pm
        Jun 23, 2018
        report
        mtb
        187 |
        Jun 23, 2018 @ 10:26pm
        Jun 23, 2018

        Videos

        no videos have been added for Widow Maker (closed) yet, add a video.

        Routes with this trail

        14
        JDSF 500-Widowmaker loop
        ★ 4.0 • 9 miles • 968 ft • 10 •
        Short loop in the Caspar Rd 500 area of Jackson Demonstration State Forest

        1 Review & Comments


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        Nearby Trails

        Jackson Demonstration State Forest

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Widow Maker (closed)

        ▼ Where is Widow Maker (closed) located?
        Widow Maker (closed) is located in Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Mendocino, California, United States. It is part of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.36638, -123.7592.
        ▼ How hard is Widow Maker (closed)?
        Widow Maker (closed) is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 6.3%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Widow Maker (closed)?
        Widow Maker (closed) has 45 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 227 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 390 ft to 590 ft.
        ▼ Is Widow Maker (closed) a point to point trail?
        Widow Maker (closed) is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.
        ▼ How long is Widow Maker (closed)?
        Widow Maker (closed) is 2,900 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
        ▼ Are dogs allowed on Widow Maker (closed)?
        There is no information about dogs being allowed on Widow Maker (closed). Check with local trail managers or the trail page for the latest access rules.
        ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Widow Maker (closed)?
        Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride Widow Maker (closed) are:
        • July (9 activities)
        • August (9 activities)
        • June (5 activities)
        Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
        ▼ How do I access Widow Maker (closed)? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Widow Maker (closed) are: View all parking locations in the area.
        ▼ How long does it take to ride Widow Maker (closed)?
        Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 20 minutes to ride Widow Maker (closed). The trail is 2,900 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
        ▼ How busy is Widow Maker (closed)?
        Widow Maker (closed) is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 160 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 162 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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