New Ridge Loop Opens at Lake Lurleen State Park

After four months of grueling work by a group of dedicated volunteers, the Ridge Loop addition to the Lake Lurleen State Park Tashka Trail System officially opened on June 21st, 2012. The trail adds to an already pristine destination for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking, offering four new miles of single track.

The new Ridge Loop at Lake Lurleen was a project of WAMBA, the West Alabama Mountain Biking Association (a local chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association/IMBA).

The expansion is a  testament to the work ethic, vision, and strong support the Tuscaloosa outdoor community has cultivated. Join in and help break in this wonderful new expansion.

“The construction required over 1500 volunteer hours and would not have been possible without the support of PARA of Tuscaloosa County, Lake Lurleen State Park and a host of individuals, organizations, and businesses who donated money, material, and labor” said WAMBA president Richard Russell.

Lake Lurleen State Park is located 9 miles Northwest of the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport, Alabama and is 14 miles from the campus of the University of Alabama. The 1,625-acre park is a scenic lakeside retreat set on the banks of a 250-acre lake. Facilities include a modern campground, banquet room, picnic area, play area, pavilions, beach with bathhouse, fishing piers, boat rentals and boat-launch areas.

About the Ridge Loop:This 4 mile optional loop, opened June in 2012, and is the latest addition to the Tashka Trail System. The loop splits off from the Tashka Trail within 350 feet of the North Trailhead and travels south for two miles before turning back north.  After four total miles the loop ends when it rejoins the Tashka Trail (within 150’ of the loop start).  The wide trail corridor and gradual elevation changes make the loop suitable for beginner, intermediate, and expert riders.  Day hikers and trail runners looking for easy access to a beautiful section of the Tashka Trail System will find this loop exceptional. The loop is open for use in either a counter-clockwise (described above) or clockwise direction of travel; however, beginner mountain bikers will likely prefer the counter-clockwise direction.

For Park Hours and Directions, visit Lake Lurleen State Park.