West side overland

As a novice from the flatlands of Wisconsin, I can't speak to the relative difficulty, but there were definitely some hills that I walked my bike down, and others that I walked up. I rode the trail after some significant rain, which made the rocky slopes pretty slippery. I also decided to walk across the narrow two-pnk bridges after sliding off two of them. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the mostly wooded sections I took from the Sherman trailhead near Wall road, and I am looking forward to doing the rest of the western and the Eastern overland trails as soon as I get back to the Chautauqua area. I hope to bring a lighter bike with me next time, so that I can lift it over the several stiles that are used to cross the barbed wire fences between the private lands along the trail. The trail itself is pretty well marked, just look for the blue blazes on the trees and posts.

Burn, baby, burn. This trail is not overly technical, but it's fun and really challenges the legs. It has some long, grinding hills, but also many flowy sections. There are an abundance of roots and rocks, so bring your full suspension bike. Most sections are two to four feet wide, but there is some great single-track on the L trail. There are several locations to access the trail, but my favorite is RT 474. From the parking lot all the way through the L trail and back is a 14-mile round trip ride. Sorry, but if you're a beginner, don't even think about it.

If you're looking for a workout, this is the trail. Several places to enter the trail; however, my favorite is off 474. Full-suspension is necessary if you're going to carry speed on this trail. Steep, fast decents until you get to the pond (lean-to) area. Keep going and take a left after the bridge (look out for porcupine as they frequent this area) and follow the single-track until you get to the M trail marker which ends at a road. If you're up for a challenge, look left before the road and take the bridal trail (it is rideable) to the top, which will land you on another road. (This road is perpendicular to the M trail road.) Turn right on the road and follow for approx 1/2 mile and look for L trail marker on right. (If you don't take the bridal trail, you would turn left onto the M trail road and take it to the intersection, where you'd turn right.) Note: when you enter the L trail go slow, as you'll want to take the first left before the steep decent. The L trail is different from the rest of the Overland Trail, as it has more single-track, technical riding with switchbacks. After finishing the L trail, I head back. The distance out and back is 14 miles.

Only ridden it a hand full of times but its a great trail. I still think of myself as a newbie rider and there are parts that were tough but nothing overwhelming. It can get a little wet and muddy early in the season. Great hidden gem of a trail.

I was a little skeptical of the trail before I arrived, but this is great. Awesome, long trail with steep climbs, flats, and fun downhill sections. I went on a weekday after work and there was nobody there. Theres absolutely no problems with crowded trails. Also, there are entrances to the trail all over the area, just keep an eye out. Good for XC bikes, I would recommend a dual suspension if you plan on going fast. Enjoy!!

This is one of the best kept secrets in Western, NY. The entrance on Eggleston Road (point M on the offical trail map) offers the best place to start for biking - the trail heads south from that point for about 12 miles - very well maintained with a few tough inclines, but very rewarding downhill sections.