SOUTH MOUNTAIN TRAILS - THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA By Daniel McCauley DESCRIPTION: The South Mountain Trail Network is an extensive network of intermediate jeep roads to extreme level singletrack and Northshore obstacles. The origins of the trail network date back to 1991-1992 with trail pioneers such as Damion Miller and Kevin Downey, however, some of the existing jeep roads were most likely ridden earlier by riders in the late 1980 s. ACCESS ISSUES: The South Mountain Trail Network is located on private property! Lehigh University extends trail rights only to those affiliated with the university (faculty and students) and will fine trespassers $300.00 for riding illegally on their property. The grounds are heavily patrolled by the Lehigh Police on car, foot, or mountain bike. If approached by a Lehigh Police Officer, you will be expected to show a current Lehigh University student or faculty ID. Failure to provide an ID will result in the heavy fine of $300.00. OTHER ACCESS ISSUES: Please note that the following trails are on private property. Riding is prohibited at all times in these areas by everyone! Gateway Trail The area on the Gateway west of the Turtle Trail / Gateway Trail intersection is private property. No Trespassing signs are posted and you should obey them. Rumors have it that the property owner up there patrols the woods in that area with a 12 gauge shotgun. So you are warned! J-Trail The J-Trail section coming off of Williams Street passes behind a group of local houses. Please keep the noise down in this area and do not disturb their property. TRAIL SHARING: Please note that you are not the only one using the trails. Expect to see hikers, other riders, various animal life, and occasionally the Lehigh University ROTC. Please yield to them and be friendly. If you are alone, expect the Lehigh University ROTC to practice ambushes on you! Also, during the fall and winter months, expect to see bow hunters in the area. Although hunting is illegal, you will see them up there. Do not dress up like a deer during that time of the year! TRAIL ETIQUETTE : Please note that most of the trails up here were designed to be extremely difficult. Do NOT at any time remove any rocks, logs, or cut new paths in attempt to make the trails easier! If you cannot ride a section, get off the bike and Page 1 of 21
walk. There is no shame in walking! Also, do not litter. If you find trash on the ground, please pick it up and take it out with you. HAZARDS : During the warmer months, deer ticks are a plenty! After every ride, check for ticks thoroughly over your entire body. Lyme disease has been prevalent on South Mountain. Also, be careful not to get near the virulent strain of poison ivy on the mountain. Poison ivy can be denoted by its hairy vines and by its 3-leaf appearance. TRAIL MAP South Mountain Trail Network Page 2 of 21
TRAILS DIFFICULTY RATINGS Difficulty ratings are based on the technical aspect of each trail. The more rocks and obstacles there are, the higher the difficult rating. The fact that you may bust a lung or two in climbing the trail doesn't figure into the difficulty equation. That s to be expected on most trails. No designation means relatively non-technical trail. Moderately technical. Expect lots of rocks and logs. Very Technical. Even more rocks and obstacles. Extremely Technical. Difficult technical lines and drop-offs. The most advanced riders will get flustered on these trails. What the @%##! Insanely technical. This is as hard as it gets. Requires "trials" like skills and balance. Expect to walk the majority of these trails unless you are a seasoned rider here. NorthShore Northshore obstacles are extremely dangerous. These obstacles contain highly elevated sections of trails, some of which are only 2 inches or less wide with very bad landing areas should you fall. They should only be attempted by the most advanced and psychotic riders. Page 3 of 21
Ben Cashman braves the "Dual Ladders" on the Shark Cruiser. TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS Jeep Trail This doubletrack trail was originally a Bethlehem Steel access road dating back to the early 1900 s. This trail extends from the base of South Mountain Park (across from the Channel 39 TV Station) and goes up and over the mountain ending at Mountain Top Campus. Wash-Out Trail - This extremely eroded doubletrack trail was also a Bethlehem Steel access road. The trail extends from the Jeep Road / Mountain Top Campus down to the 4-way intersection at the bottom of South Mountain Rd. Watch out for those ruts! This trail is most popular as a screaming, lung-busting uphill! Pipeline Trail This doubletrack was originally an access road for PP&L. It dates back to the 1950 s. This trail parallels the powerline at the base of the southeast side of the mountain. J-Trail This singletrack originally was a Bethlehem Steel access road. Damion Miller cleared the trail in 1991 and created a very fast singletrack. Theta Chi Trail The origin of this trail is currently unknown. It is a very fast downhill singletrack with banked turns and berms. This trail extends from Theta Chi Fraternity to the Channel 39 TV Station. Birchwood Trail - This trail was built by Damion Miller and Kevin Downey in 1992. This is a nice smooth singletrack connecting Mountain Top Campus to the Channel 39 TV Station. Page 4 of 21
Mohican Trail - This trail was built by Damion Miller and Kevin Downey in 1992. This nice technical singletrack follows north rim of the mountain featuring a long, off camber, very fast descent. Just watch out you don't fall off the mountain and keep those knees close to your bike! Leaf Trail - This short singletrack passes through Lehigh University s old composting site. It is used primarily as an alternative of taking the road up through campus. Upper Slalom Trail This short singletrack connects the Gateway Trail to the Jeep Road and lower Slalom Trails. Star Trail This trail descends from the Star of Bethlehem to the water treatment plant below. Grass Snake This is a nice fast and wide downhill through Mountain Top Campus. South Mountain Pioneers Damion Miller, Mike Dotsey, Daniel McCauley, Kevin Downey Goat Trail - This beautiful piece of singletrack features some of the rockiest terrain on the mountain. Built by Damion Miller and Kevin Downey in 1992, it still remains a true measure of ones technical riding ability on the mountain. As of November 1999, this trail has gone Northshore. A new 60 foot long elevated bridge known as "The Serpent Bridge" spans a small spring fed marsh midway through the trail. This bridge was built by Damion Miller and Daniel McCauley. This trail extends from its entrance on the J-Trail to the water tank at its end. Page 5 of 21
Gateway Trail - This trail, originally a Bethlehem Steel access road, was rerouted and built by Kevin Downey and Damion Miller in 1992. It features a nice fast descent until it reaches the Turtle Trail. The Gateway Trail then continues west through private property before a doubletrack climb to South Mountain Park. Do NOT ride this west portion of the Gateway Trail. It is private property and is off limits to everyone! Turtle Trail - This trail was built in 1992 by Kevin Downey. While building this trail, Mr. Kevin Downey found a small turtle in the grasses on the lower portion of the trail, hence the name! This trail features a nice singletrack downhill until it reaches its end at the Wash-Out Trail. Road Kill Trail - This trail, which is not shown on the map, starts at the intersection of the Turtle and Wash-Out Trails. Its about 50 feet long and ends at the road. (You would go straight instead of turning once you come out onto the Wash-out Trail from the Turtle Trail. It features a nice, steep technical downhill. Built by Daniel McCauley 1996. Mike Dotsey dropping in on the Snake Trail Page 6 of 21
Snake Trail - This popular trail which winds its way down the southside of the mountain features some beautiful technical singletrack and lots of obstacles. The original Snake Trail (which no longer exists) was built by Daniel McCauley in 1993. To increase its length and difficulty, the Snake Trail was rerouted in 1994 by Daniel McCauley to what it is today. In 1995, numerous obstacles were added by Ron Borso, Mike Dotsey, Brian Newbury, and Daniel McCauley. In November 1999, this trail went Northshore with the addition of "Drop o' Death", and "The Bridge of Perpetual Doom." The "Drop o' Death" is a beautiful 4 foot drop off of a giant boulder while the "Bridge of Perpetual Doom" features an 8 foot high elevated section of trail which drops off steeply onto a very narrow log. The "Bridge of Perpetual Doom" was built by Mike Dotsey, Ben Cashman, and Daniel McCauley. Daniel McCauley rides a rock stack on the Snake Trail. (Notice the Drop O Death at the upper left!) Cool McCauley Trail - This smooth downhill was built by Daniel McCauley in 1993. Its of moderate difficulty so that everyone from the beginner to the advance rider can enjoy it. McCauley Extension Trail - This doubletrack trail was originally an access road. It connects the Cool McCauley Trail to the intersection of the road and the Escalator Trail. Page 7 of 21
Rock Nemesis Trail - This trail, originally built by Daniel McCauley and Ron Borso in 1995 was created to be the most technical trail on the mountain, hence its name! This trail featured the rockiest terrain to be found anywhere on the mountain. Due to the Blizzard of '96, this trail was left unfinished. In 1997, Ron Borso completed the trail. However, due to its difficulty, the trail was never ridden and during the summer of 1997, this trail became completely overgrown and has since disappeared. Look for a resurrection to this trail soon! Slalom Trails - These two short downhills feature some winding fast singletrack. Each trail begins on the Jeep Road and continues until they meet again on the Power Line Trail. Kevin Downey rides into the darkness on his Turtle Trail Power Line Trail - This trail begins at the intersection of the Birchwood and Slalom Trails and continues along an access road paralleling power lines until you reach a giant rock outcropping. Follow the extremely technical singletrack through the boulder field until you come out on the Birchwood Trail. Escalator Trail - This trail was originally an access road. It features a steep downhill with lots of loose rocks. It is used more for an uphill to connect the Pipeline Trail to the Mighty Moto Trail. Mighty Moto Trail - This trail, partially an access road, was built by Damion Miller and Kevin Downey around 1993. It features a wooden bridge crossing a large downed tree which can be used as a nice jump ramp. However, the mid section of the Page 8 of 21
trail has never been finished so it is extremely rocky, off camber, and un-rideable. However, there are future plans to build an elevated NorthShore bridge through this unrideable area. Upper Moto - This trail (which is almost always incorrectly called the Mighty Moto Trail) connects the Escalator Trail to the J-Trail. It features a nice technical lungbusting climb followed by a nice descent into the J-Trail. It was built in 1995 by Kevin Downey and Pete Farringer. Witch Trail - This trail was built by Daniel McCauley and Damion Miller in 1997. It was originally built to connect the Goat Trail with the Mohican Trail. However, because of its extreme difficulty, not many people rode it and it briefly disappeared. In November 1999, Damion Miller and Daniel McCauley cleaned up the trail, fixed some extremely difficult sections, and added a few obstacles to spice it up. It also has gone Northshore featuring the "Witch's Broomstick." This 200 foot maze of logs, ramps, boulders, and platforms is the largest Northshore feature on the mountain to date. With future plans of adding more Northshore obstacles to this trail, it has a very bright future. The "Witch's Broomstick" was created by Daniel McCauley and Damion Miller. Stinger Trail - This great trail was built by Bernie Connelly, Tony, and Bob in 1999. The trail is a great addition to the loop in that it connects the lower south portion of the mountain to the upper northside part of the mountain without using the road. Features some good log stacks and a nice stream bridge. Look for future developments on this trail! Stinger and Crazy Bones mastermind, Bernie Connelly Crazy Bones - Another great trail by Bernie Connelly, Tony, and Bob which has been completed in 1999. This trail connects the Stinger Trail to the Pipeline Trail. It features many log bridges and obstacles. Its nice twisty singletrack is delightful for all Page 9 of 21
riders! As of November 1999, this trail is still in development. Make sure you look for the hanging bone wind chimes. Shark Cruiser - This outstanding trail was built in 1997 by Ben Cashman and Nate Gardner. Its singletrack winds all over the place through pine groves, down steep hills, over big jumps and more. Numerous obstacles including jumps, log/rock stacks, bermed corners, and drop-offs line this trail. Its extremely fast and exciting and not too difficult for the beginning rider. This trail also hosts South Mountain's first NorthShore obstacles. These obstacles, built by Ben Cashman, test the skills of the most advance riders. Look for giant elevated log bridges, a 6 foot high elevated log with a roller coaster drop in, the infamous "Toilet Bowl" drop-in, the "Teeter-Totter" bridge, and a 5 foot high wheelie drop. This trail is a must-do for all riders. Pronounced SHAAWK - KWOOSAH in your best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice. Jay De Jesus on a Shark Cruiser Ivy Bridge. Gorge Trail - This short section of trail created by Daniel McCauley in 1994 was probably the most technically rocky trail on all of South Mountain. It featured a drop-in into deep gorge like rocks and follows a small gorge. The trail, because of its difficulty and location, wasn't ridden much so it quickly disappeared. Brian Newbury attempted to resurrect the trail in 1998, but again, it disappeared. If you look hard enough, you can still find portions of the trail and see the gorge. Page 10 of 21
Ben Cashman rides the Totter on the Shark Cruiser. Elevator Trail - This trail follows the powerlines down the mountain from the substation on Mountain Top Campus. It contains some very steep sections, especially near the end. Oh yeah... watch out for the rocks hidden in the grass!!! Pete's Cheater Trail - Pete Farringer built this short trail in 1995 as an alternative to doing the Upper Ho-Chi-Minh. Rick Lung a.k.a. Ho-Chi-Minh Pioneer Page 11 of 21
HO-CHI-MINH TRAIL NETWORK Original Ho-Chi-Minh - The Original Ho-Chi-Minh trail was originally a hiking trail for students cutting through the woods to go to and from Sayre Field. This original gorge trail was first ridden by Rick Lung in 1992. The name originated from students hiking the trail probably as early as the 1960's. This original gorge is located to the left (approx. 8 feet) of the newer Ho-Chi-Minh Direct trail. This trail is extremely sketchy and difficult. It is hardly ridden anymore. Ho-Chi-Minh Direct - This easier variation of the Ho-Chi-Minh trail was first ridden by Daniel McCauley in 1994. Although the trail was easier at first, it has become more and more sketchy as the soil began to erode away. This trail is the one most ride when they refer to the Ho-Chi-Minh trail. The most difficult part of this trail is the off camber left turn at the bottom of the trail. This turn has claimed many a rider! Ho-Chi-Minh West - This variation was first ridden by Daniel McCauley and Rick Lung in 1993. It is located beyond the fraternity parking lot right below the look-out. However, due to fallen logs, this trail is no longer rideable. Ho-Chi-Minh Extreme West - This "chute-like" trail is located about 100 feet west of the Ho-Chi-Minh West. It looks like a giant chute coming down the mountain. First ridden by Rick Lung in 1993. Ho-Chi-Minh East - This trail begins at the rightmost part of the look-out and parallels a fence all the way down to the parking lot. Due to fallen trees, this trail may not be rideable either. First ridden by Daniel McCauley and Rick Lung in 1993. Upper Ho-Chi-Minh - This trail starts at the most northeast corner of Sayre Park at the Gate. First ridden by Rick Lung in 1993. Upper Ho-Chi-Minh East - An easier variation of the Upper Ho-Chi-Minh located about 10 feet right of the trail. Page 12 of 21
Damion Miller rides the Ho-Chi-Minh Direct at night. RECOMMENDED TRAILS Please choose your riding style below to discover which trails would be the most fun for you. The trails are rated to one another in their separate categories only. The more fox symbols, the better the trail overall. The more bicycle symbols, the faster you'll go on the trail! BEGINNER RIDER - If you are a beginner rider and have a fear of rocks, then these are the trails for you. Please keep in mind that all trails on South Mountain involve some bit of climbing, so if you are looking for flat trails, stick to the Lehigh Canal Path! Unfortunately, there are no trails currently on South Mountain that fit this description. WEEKEND WARRIOR - If you are a weekend warrior and are looking for some nice fun singletrack that s not too technically demanding than these are the trails for you. Jeep Road Page 13 of 21
Cool McCauley Trail J-Trail Theta Chi Trail Slalom Trails ADVANCED RIDER - You consider yourself advance and are up for some challenge. You enjoy riding technical terrain and you like riding fast! Gateway Trail Turtle Trail Mohican Trail Crazy Bones Trail Stinger Trail Upper Moto Trail Shark Cruiser Trail THE DOWNHILLER - You love to live dangerously and go real, real fast! Speed and daring is the name of the game here. Just remember, what you go down, you have to climb back up! Wash-Out Trail Theta Chi Trail Page 14 of 21
Escalator Trail Elevator Trail Jeep Road PSYCHO CASE - Okay, so you want it all. You aren't afraid to walk your bike through some real gnarly sections and you don't get frustrated easily. You want to experience the best and most challenging South Mountain has to offer. Don't say I didn't warn you! Snake Trail Goat Trail Witch Trail Upper Ho-Chi-Minh Ho-Chi-Minh Direct Original Ho-Chi-Minh NORTHSHORE RIDER - You want the full British Columbia Northshore experience. Each of the following trails boasts at least one Northshore obstacle. The better and more NorthShore obstacles there is, the higher the rating. The number in paranthesis is the current number of obstacles on each trail. Shark Cruiser Trail (7) Snake Trail (4) Goat Trail (1) Witch Trail (1) Page 15 of 21
THE PIONEERS Damion Miller - Damion, originally a valley boy from Southern California, moved to Bethlehem, PA in the early 1980's. Since there was no place to surf in Bethlehem, he chose to mountain bike instead. Since the early 1990's, Damion has become an invaluable part of the biking community in Bethlehem. He was the first known trail pioneer of South Mountain creating such masterpieces as the Mohican and Goat Trails. Damion is also Director of the Bethlehem Bicycle Co-operative and an advocate of alternative transportation. Kevin Downey - Kevin first starting mountain biking in 1991. Kevin currently lives in Allentown and commutes via bicycle every morning to work at Bethlehem Steel at Lehigh University. Kevin and Damion pioneered together great trail classics such as the Mohican, Mighty Moto, and Goat Trails. Kevin's private endeavors include the Upper Moto and the Turtle Trails as well as the infamous Cornocopia of Carnage which unfortunately has disappeared to nature. If you see someone on the mountain riding in drag, don't be alarmed, its only Kevin! Daniel McCauley - Dan is the third of the original pioneers of South Mountain. Although an Electrical Engineering student of Lehigh University, Dan devoted the majority of his undergraduate career building and maintaining the trails of South Mountain. He built trail classics such as the Snake, Cool McCauley, Gorge, and Witch Trails. Dan currently works as an avionics engineer designing avionics and weapon systems for various types of aircraft. Page 16 of 21
Rick Lung - Rick Lung, although no longer with us, studied mechanical engineering at Lehigh University from 1991 to 1995. He is best known for his first descents of all the Ho-Chi-Minh trails. When it was said the Original Ho-Chi-Minh trail could never be ridden, Rick dropped in on the trail and rode it! His most famous exploits include riding the Upper Ho-Chi-Minh and Original Ho-Chi-Minh completely smashed (drunk) without lights and has been the only one to attempt and successfully ride the "Stairs O' Death" on Lehigh's campus. (These stairs begin at the back of Richards Dorm and drop down to the Ulrich Center.) Rick also was the first to map out the Rock Nemesis Trail. Rick currently resides in Detroit, Michigan. Mike Dotsey - Mike was a mechanical engineering / architectural drafting double major at Lehigh University from 1994 to 1999. He help build and design multiple obstacles on the Snake Trail as well as other trails on South Mountain. He also helped build the "Bridge of Perpetual Doom" on the Snake Trail. Mike currently resides in Pittsburg, PA. Brian Newbury - Brian Newbury first came to Lehigh in 1994 to earn his Material Science undergraduate degree. During the time at Lehigh, he has helped build multiple obstacles on the Snake Trail as well as other trails on South Mountain. He has also done extensive work on the Gorge Trail. Brian is currently living in Bethlehem studying for his Masters degree in Material Science at Lehigh. Ron Borso - Ron, a Bethlehem local, has helped build multiple obstacles on the Snake Trail as well as other trails on South Mountain. He helped Dan McCauley reroute the Snake Trail to what it is today as well as finishing the Rock Nemesis Trail. Pete Farringer - Pete Farringer attended Lehigh from 1992-1996. He has helped clear out the Mohican Trail and has built Pete's Cheater Trail, an alternative to the Upper Ho- Chi-Minh. Page 17 of 21
Ben Cashman - Ben Cashman is currently studying Glacial Geology at Lehigh University. He is solely responsible for the new classic, The Shark Cruiser Trail. However, Ben spent the summer of 1999 in Vancouver, British Columbia where he got to ride the most intense trails to be found anywhere - Northshore! Upon his return in the fall, Ben has started the "Northshore" revolution which has taken South Mountain riding to the next level. Look for his elevated trails, log bridges, and sick drop-offs on the Shark Cruiser and Snake Trail. Bernie Connelly - Although Bernie is known for his highly volatile temper, he is an alright guy! Bernie's greatest contribution to South Mountain is his new Stinger and Crazy Bones Trails. Bernie along with his friends Tony and Bob have opened up a part of South Mountain which no one thought would be possible. Bernie also spends a lot of time maintaining the trails and telling dirty jokes! During the winter months, Bernie is a competive downhill skier, hence is nickname, "Two-turn Bern!" Tony - Tony, a Bethlehem Narcotics Officer, has helped Bernie build the Stinger and Crazy Bones Trails. He also helps out with trail maintenance. Bob - Bob has also helped build the Stinger and Crazy Bones Trails and helps out with trail maintenance. Page 18 of 21
"Standard Loop" - South Mountain Aerial View Page 19 of 21
THE "STANDARD LOOP" DESCRIPTION: The "Standard Loop" is the best riding loop on the mountain. It allows the best and longest connectivity of all trails on the mountain. It also features the best and most technical trails on the mountain. DIFFICULTY: The "Standard Loop" is for the advanced rider. There are a few technical steep climbs and some extremely technical terrain (namely the Snake, Goat, and Witch Trails.) FEATURES: This loop features the best riding to be found on South Mountain. If you are up for challenging technical terrain with challenging obstacles, including NorthShore style obstacles, then this is the loop for you! Obstacles on the Shark Cruiser Trail. DIRECTIONS: Uh yeah... if you could just figure that out for yourself, uh, that would be great. Yeah. Thanks. Page 20 of 21
SOUTH MOUNTAIN S MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS How could we ever forget Dan s legendary Halloween rides! Page 21 of 21