Wilson River Trail - Where to start??

I haven't ridden around there recently, so don't know the conditions.

But, my favourite stretch is the downhilll portion of the trail (west bound) into Diamond Mill.

You can ride out-and-back starting at Jones Creek, heading  east through Diamod Mill, then climb up, and then get to at least the top where it turns into a fierce traversal, but go about another mile or so (or however much you want) to get some amazing views of the trail itself before heading back.

The descent heading east into Kings MT TH is too straight for my taste,  but it's still a nice trail.

You can also ride in a conterclockwise loop, taking highway 6  from Jones Creek to Kings Mountain trailhead, start at Jones Creek or Kings MT TH.

Nice PDF maps and general information are here.

Here's a good GPS map (not mine nor anyone I know), but if you do Jones Creek towards  Keenig, it's best if you can make it to at least Wolf's Creek, as it's really beautiful there. Be sure to click the "terrain" portion so you can see the climbs:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7821048

And here is Jones Creek on google maps

I like to start at the Forestry Center, mainly because it gets you off of the highway and theoretically away from the methheads that break into cars.

Plus you can go either East or West from here.

We ended up starting at Jones Creek and riding west to avoid the larger climb towards kings mountain and save my buddies legs for a ski expedition tomorrow. I think we ended up turning around somewhere near Wolf Creek rd. Overall it was a great ride and really good trail conditions. Minimal mud, but it was slow and mushy all around. The bridges were treacherous; which I learned while sliding sideways at high speed down one. I knew better, but the downhill was too much fun for logic to prevail.

Good times, and a rare chance to see the sun. And yes, it's a Gunnar Ruffian - 29" trail eating machine.

I also rode on Saturday with a buddy.  We started at Jones Creek - rode West towards Keenig.  Left around 11:30 am.  Had a blast.  Earlier in the morning the ground was a bit firmer.  On the way back it had warmed up a little bit, and started geting a little soft.  But, it's all relative - since it's still a great trail in excellent winter riding condition.  

I too bit it on a bridge.  I too knew better, but was just having a wide-open blast.   Then, biff!  

Excellent ride!

I usually start at Elk Campground, go west as far as time permits (Jones Creek or beyond) then come back.  It minimizes driving and gives the best workout because it's a tough mother of a climb (and nice descending too) either direction between Elk and Jones Creek.  Some nice views from the top and trail is always great.  From Jones going west is also nice but less remote, no views, and less of a challenge and thrill hill-wise.

 Frank Selker

The Wilson River Trail rides well in the winter except when the snow level is low. Most of the trail was built on well drained soils. Only the mid section near the Forestry Center can get a little slick where the trail was built on the old floodplain. But this area can still be ridden with little issue.

Fred