Oak Mountain State Park (OMSP), Shelby County and Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) are pleased to announce the start-up of Phase III of the expansion of the Mountain Bike Trail System at the Park. The goal of this project, a cooperative effort between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (OMSP), Shelby County and BUMP, is to enhance the activities available at the park while showcasing its unique features and vistas, including views and features currently not accessible to park visitors.

Phase I was completed in 2010 and expanded the original 17 mile long mountain bike loop to 22 miles with the addition of new beginner and intermediate level singletrack trails around Double Oak Lake. Phase II, recently completed, provides a singletrack alternative to the Red Road jeep trail and includes the advanced level “Boulder Ridge” trail on top of Double Oak Mountain.

Phase III will add almost 16 miles of new singletrack trail to the system, increasing trail variety and total singletrack to 25 miles. Connector trails will transform a single loop trail system into a highly sought after “Stacked Loop” trail system by creating seven different loops of varying difficulty with several entry points, allowing beginners a chance to build their skills over time and thus gain the ability to go on longer and more challenging rides. It will also disperse riders, preventing trail congestion as park use increases.

Individual sections of the trail will have distinct personalities, textures and skill levels, providing a variety of trail experiences. The new trail sections will include an intermediate skill level back country trail with stunning park views and access to features currently inaccessible, a high speed expert skill level “flow trail” with jumps, drops and other special features, and a new trail specifically designed to attract and enhance race events. A handicap accessible trail will provide a wheelchair friendly path connecting a proposed Peavine Falls Road parking area to a scenic overlook that includes original CCC fire pits built in the 1930’s.

A Pump Track and Skills Park will also be constructed near the recently renovated BMX Track. This bicycle pump track will be a continuous loop one can ride by pumping over rollers and berms, providing users with an intense workout. A Skills Park is an area set aside for cyclists with purpose built obstacles for beginner to advanced riders that will allow users to learn new skills in a fun, safe and structured environment.

Construction of the first 7 miles of the new trail as well as the Pump Track and Skills Park is planned to start this fall and will take approximately six months to complete. The project will be constructed by BUMP volunteers in partnership with DCNR and Shelby County, with some parts contractor constructed through the County’s Department of Facilities & General Services. Funding will come from three sources, Shelby County, a Federal/State Recreational Trail Program Grant and BUMP. BUMP has also applied for funding from an IMBA Fox Racing Shox Pump Track grant and Kodak American Greenways Awards grant.

With questions regarding these projects you can contact Michael Jeffreys with DCNR at 205-620-2520 or Reed Prince with Shelby County at 205-670-6461.