Redding CA flow trails are expanding for the MTB enthusiast
Redding flow trail? I can only think of 2 maybe 3 on the top of my head. Those would be the “Enticer” trail, and the “Snail” trail out at Swasey Recreation Area. There is also the “French Fry” out at Old Shastas Middle Creek transfer. If anybody who is familiar with these trails I would love to hear your input. So let me tell you a little bit about each one of these AWESOME trails and give you my opinion.
Mountain biking the Enticer flow trail
Located at the Swasey Recreation Area, the “Enticer” trail has received a lot of attention lately. A mile-long Redding flow trail, the Enticer trail is very fun! It has hips, doubles, gaps, and a few BIG hits that you should eyeball before hitting them in my opinion. Better to be safe than sorry. Pinkbike featured an article on the trail in 2017 so that’s saying something.
I have spent a few months on that trail, learning how to flow without messing up, if I can help it. Mountain biking can be risky at times challenging yourself, but when you accomplish that ONE thing you’ve had your eye on, nothing’s better than that. My age is 49 years young and I’m not afraid to crash, just need to roll out of a crash on my right side now. Just saying, I have had a few accidents on that Redding flow trail. They probably could have been avoided if I had my flats on or I just SUCK!!
It’s because of the Enticer trail that my mountain bike is out of commission. I ended up bending my lowers on my last crash and fracturing my scapula. That was a costly crash. But now I need a new bike, it’s time, it’s been 14 years. Mountain biking has changed a lot, parts, equipment, bikes, sizes, etc. Bottom line, Enticer trail is a must, you won’t regret it.
The next Redding flow trail is the Snail trail which is located in the Swasey Rec Area as well. When you come to ride the Swasey Recreation Area, do the “outside loop”. Refer to Trailforks app. You end up riding a few trails up just to get to the Snail trail, but the payoff is worth it.
The Snail trail starts out with 10 berms, downhill and fast. It wasn’t always like it is now thanks to Redding Trail Alliance, Mcconnell foundation and supporters. The RTA crew can build a flow trail, for sure! They totally changed the way the Snail trail looked. Before, the start was a straight shoot DH, and now it’s manicured.
Taking a breather before I climb the French Fry
French Fry is the next Redding flow trail. The TH is located just off HWY 299 at Middle Creek transfer station. I always refer to Trailforks app to be sure. The Redding CA bike trails are well marked.
Anyways, the French Fry trail starts with a little climb, maybe 15 minutes of a steady climb. There are a few vista points/views and hopefully, you will catch a clear day. After the climb, the fun begins with a little off camber singletrack and flowy. The French Fry is a blast!
Expect to be pumping and manueling and just ripping it. Once you get to the power lines you continue the singletrack and ride high above the creek on a rock shelf basically. The trail is about 6 miles??
Whatever Redding flow trail you decide to do, you are going to have fun. I know I do. Hope this helps you out in pointing you to some Redding flow trails. Be safe.
French Fry trail at the powerlines
My name is Crazy Chris, hit me up in the comments if you want to ride, have a question.
Thanks for reading.