Mark's Loop Morgan's Best

6 mi
Distance
209 ft
Elevation gain
Intermediate
Level
Loop
Route type
0/5
Rating
#2920 place in the world
#4 place in the region
6 mi
Distance
209 ft
Elevation gain
Intermediate
Level
Loop
Route type
0/5
Rating
#2920 place in the world
#4 place in the region

Morgan's Best and Mark's Loop: The Heartbeat of Anniston's Trails

Overview

Winding through the heart of Anniston, Alabama, Morgan's Best and Mark's Loop offer bikers a tantalizing experience - a mix of smooth rides and technical terrains. With a distance covering approximately 6 miles and designed as a loop, this intermediate-level trail promises variety, technical challenges, and nature's artistry at its finest.

Trail Details

  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Location: Anniston, Alabama

Trail Features

Morgan's Best stands as a counterpart to the more talked-about Iron Legs trail. While Iron Legs is renowned for its adrenaline rush, Morgan's Best offers:

  • Smooth Singletrack: A characteristic that endears it to many. The trail ensures consistent riding pleasure.
  • Versatility: Regardless of the chosen route, be it left or right, the loop promises a delightful biking journey.
  • Technical Terrain: Morgan's Best elevates itself with a more technical trail compared to Mark's, offering off-camber challenges for those looking for a little more thrill.

How to Get There

To reach this biking haven, head towards I-20 to Heflin, AL. Follow highway 9 north towards piedmont. After approximately 10 miles, turn left at Joseph Springs Motorway located within the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area. The Hunter's Camp awaits as the first right on Joseph Springs Motorway. The trailhead is marked distinctively with a red arrow within the Hunter's Camp.

Trail Feedback and Recent Updates

Recent cyclists' feedback provides a comprehensive view of the trail experience:

  • Past Glory: Earlier, the trail catered to riders of varied expertise levels. However, logging activities have impacted some parts.
  • Clearcut Challenges: Newbies might face some challenges, especially in areas that have witnessed clearcut. Nevertheless, those adventurous enough to tread uphill are rewarded with intriguing rock formations, leaving one pondering their historical significance.
  • Recent Reroutes: Fresh singletrack reroutes have been carved out, adding an extra layer of fun and intrigue to the biking experience.
  • Trail Extension: Over the past years, trail extensions have been carried out, pushing the trail length to about 5 or 6 miles. This, coupled with the recent bulldozing of Gene's loop, has transformed Mark's and Iron Legs into the primary biking choices for local enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Anniston's Morgan's Best and Mark's Loop serve as beacons for the biking community. Offering diversity, technical challenges, and the serenity of nature, these trails remain a testament to Alabama's commitment to outdoor activities. As restoration continues, one can only expect the trails to reclaim their past glory and perhaps even exceed it.

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