Mountain Bike Trail – “Speculator
Loop”
The “Speculator Loop” is located on private property
owned by International Paper Company. The trail passes through a
working tree farm, managed by I.P. and offers recreational opportunities
to the public, and protection for wildlife and watersheds. The trail
system consists of two bike loops, the larger is 13.7 miles long,
and the shorter "Kunjamuk Cave" loop is 7.2 miles long.
All trail signs make reference to the Speculator ball field, in both
directions of travel. The larger loop is accessed from all parking
lots, which have informational kiosks, where you may obtain detailed
trail maps and information regarding the trails. Mountain
bikes rentals are available. The trails are open from May 15th to October 12th
and are free.
Outer Loop (Larger) 13.7 miles
Skill level: Easy to Intermediate
This well marked trail follows Elm Lake Road east from the 4 corners
in Speculator. It runs along a corridor bordering the northeast side
of Elm Lake, which appears on the right at 4.0 miles. At 5.3 miles
you approach the "outhouse corners", where a toilet and
picnic area is available. Turn right and follow Long Level, make
a right past the Kunjamuk River bridge and follow the trail back
to the ball field in Speculator. Two hills, each 3/10ths of a mile
long break up the long rolling hilly terrain. One is adjacent to
Elm Lake and the other starts at the bottom at 3 Camps Road and follows
south to Old Route 30. This trail can be followed in the opposite
direction by bearing left (south) when leaving the Speculator ball
field.
Trail note: there is a picnic area and toilet located on the Long
Level area (see map). This is the only area where off trail activities
are allowed. Please place trash in provided trash cans.
INNER LOOP ("Kunjamuk Cave Loop") 7.2
miles
Skill level: Easy to Difficult
This shorter loop starts 0.2 miles past the end of pavement on Elm
Lake Road and also off the north side of Old Route 30. Most of the
trail consists of shorter rolling hills and many steep, sharp curves.
Although shorter than the Outer Loop, it presents many challenges
with elevation changes which are very steep and difficult. The Kunjamuk
Cave is reached at 1.2 miles from East Road intersection on the left
of the trail.
Trail note: when approaching the Kunjamuk Cave Loop from both ends,
a metal gate with a lock blocks the trail. Ride around the gate on
the designated side.