Shade Mountain Trails
This is the only trail system in Bald Eagle where you can ride non-street legal dirt bikes (Off Highway Motorcycles or OHM). These trails are VERY rocky and technical, and can be quite exhausting for beginners and intermediate riders. Even advanced riders can find challenging sections. Navigation is tricky since most of the trails are unmarked. The trail labels on the map below are mostly unofficial trail titles given by PTRA. Unlicensed motorcycles are allowed to cross Shade Mountain Road but are not allowed to travel on it. Be prepared, drink plenty of water, and don’t ride alone.
Snowmobile Trail
This trail would be considered easy if it weren’t for a few washed out hills which can be pretty hard to climb. Starting from Shade Mountain Road is the easiest direction. Watch out for mud holes and slippery bridges down in the hollow.
Middle Trail
This is a lumpy, yet flowing single-track that takes you through the hollow and up to the Shade Mountain ridge top. At times the trail is little more than a faint beaten path, so take care not to lose it. You wouldn’t call it easy, but it’s not extremely hard either. It’s kind of in the middle.
Expert Trail
This is a long trail that follows the Southernmost boundary of Bald Eagle. As Its name suggest, it can be pretty damn difficult. The upper half of the trail hugs the contours of the mountain and features many elevation changes and all variety of rocks. The “Very Difficult” section between Diamond Trail and Crossover trail winds it’s way to a ridge summit, then follows a long rocky slope down into the hollow. This slope is considerably more difficult going uphill. After Crossover trail, things are a bit easier. Thump your way down to the creek, over a bridge, then weave through thick laurel to the parking lot.
Crossover Trail
This is a handy little trail that links the routes in the hollow. Watch out for the intersection if you are on the West part of Expert trail and you don’t want to get stuck going uphill in the “Very Difficult” section.
Deer Spring Trail
Apart from a hill when starting from Shade Mountain Road, this trail is wide, straight, and relatively smooth. It’s a good route to take when you’re worn out and need a break.
Diamond Trail
You probably won’t spend much time on Diamond Trail. It’s a way to get onto Botteiger Boulevard when you’re revved up and ready to ride, and a way to get off of Expert Trail when you’re worn out and had enough. .
Botteiger Boulevard
Named after the PTRA’s legendary volunteer, Steve Botteiger, this medium difficulty trail is an epic series of tight twists and flowing turns. It is mainly flat, but there are just enough rocks to keep you on your toes. Keep your focus, and go with the flow.
Kaiser Trail
Named in memory of KC Kaiser, a good friend and active member of PTRA. This trail links a few of the longer trails on the Shade Mountain ridge top. Part of the trail is kept wet by a spring.
Mitchell Trail
A ridiculous challenge trail that takes you straight down the steep side of the mountain, then right back up. The easiest way to attack this trail is in the CLOCKWISE direction. The Western trail-head off of Botteiger Boulevard is unmarked and very easy to miss. The long descent gets much steeper and looser as you near the low point in the trail. At the bottom, catch your breath then battle your way up a long twisting slope made difficult by big rocks. Stay on the pegs, and keep up your momentum.
Pitch Pine Trail
This is a flat flowing trial much like Botteiger Boulevard but with softer ground and a few tight spots where the trees just don’t want to let you through.
Boot Trail
It’s shaped like a boot. That’s why we call it Boot Trail. Taking it in either direction, you will start out with a short, steep downhill, then an easier climb up a little knob. Continue down the knob and up a steep ascent toward Shade Mountain Road. These short hill climbs at either end can be quite gnarly. Momentum!