A great first trip—good mountain scenic views, a probability of seeing wild game in the beautiful forest, and the beautiful, refreshing waterfalls of Stonewall Creek. This trip is also a favorite for night riding.
Distance: 7.8 Miles
Time: 1-1/2 hours
Configuration: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate for 2.7 miles then Easy. Streams will be crossed in the last part of the ride. During a rainy period, or just after a rain, you should keep in mind the water level may be higher than normal.
Directions from Clayton: Travel south on Old Highway 441 for 3.2 miles to Tiger. Continue south through the four-way stop in front of the Tiger Post Office for an additional 2.4 miles, then turn right onto Forest Service Road #20. Continue on this gravel road for 1.6 miles where you come upon a "T" intersection. Park here, or turn right and park on the side of the road near the gate. The trip starts from the gate.
Alternate: As an alternate, some bikers prefer to add mileage and park on the side of the road at the beginning of Forest Service Road #20 and start from there. This adds an additional 3.2 miles to the trip, making it 11.4 miles total.
0.0 - Go past the gate heading east on the older Forest Service road. You will return from the opposite direction.
0.2 - Road turns to the left and begins ascending. On the right is the Old Stonewall road that leads to private property.
0.6 - Road reaches the top of the first mountain.
0.9 - Old clearcut on right. You now have easy going until the odometer is at 2.1.
2.1 - Start the next ascent to the top of Saga Mountain.
2.7 - The road tops out on Saga Mountain. For the next few hundred yards you should be able to see mountains, particularly Glassy Mountain to the left, Black Rock Mountain straight ahead, and Screamer mountain to the northeast. At night, you'll observe the lights on Black Rock and the lighted cross on Screamer. You'll also see Clayton in the foreground.
3.1 - Intersection road to right. This road to the right goes down Saga Mountain for about 1-1/2 miles, and comes out on Old Highway 441, approximately 300 yards south of the four-way stop in Tiger. To complete the loop, you should not take the road to the right, but continue straight ahead.
3.3 - You will come upon an intersection at the top of the hill. You should continue on the road bearing left. The road going straight ahead dead ends in approximately 200 yards.
3.7 - You will come upon two water breaks in the road. Continue over these mounds and up the hill. Notice the old clearcut on the right.
4.5 - Here is a fork in the road. Take the right fork, which will lead you around Crunkleton Ridge. The road going straight is a shortcut road to the top of the hill. You should avoid the shortcut road for it is steep, and erosion problems could result if you attempt to ride it.
4.8 - On the left is the other end of the shortcut road. Continue straight ahead. The highest mountain on your right is Glassy Mountain. The trail descends and turns 90 degrees to the right. Within a few yards after making the 90-degree turn, the trail turns steep for approximately 30 yards. You may want to walk your bike to keep from sliding. The trail turns 90 degrees to the right again and then levels out. We call this area the Narrows. You'll understand why when you ride it.
5.5 - The trail turns left down the ridge.
5.6 - As the trail starts off the end of the ridge, it gets steeper. Because it is steep, you may get where your tires began to slide. Before your tires do slide and cause erosion problems, you must get off your bike and walk it for the next 40 yards, or to the bottom. Additionally, for safety reasons, it is also a good idea to walk the bike down this steeper part.
5.7 - The trail intersects with one of the old Stonewall Creek roads. Take a left and continue down the creek. Notice the beautiful forest and clear water as you travel down Stonewall Creek.
6.1 - The first creek crossing. Wasn't that fun? Are your feet wet yet?
6.2 - Another creek crossing. So you still have dry feet! Just wait.
6.3 - An old road on the left.
6.5 - Cross over the branch.
6.5 - Go slow and ride to the left side of this road washout.
6.7 - The third creek crossing. Here's where your feet will probably get wet.
6.8 - What a mud hole!
7.0 - The fourth and last creek crossing. Did you notice the creek had grown somewhat larger and a little deeper with each crossing?
7.2 - Here is one of the best waterfalls on Stonewall Creek. During the summer you'll find campers here, but you can still stop and enjoy this beautiful waterfall. During hot summer days, this waterfall is a good cooling off place. In the rocks people actually find a seat on the ledge that enables the water to fall directly onto them. Now that is refreshing.
7.2 - Here you intersect with Stonewall road. Take a left to continue the loop.
7.7 - You are now at the intersection near where you started. Take the left fork to finish the loop.
7.7 - The loop is finished.
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