Early Season 6.96 Mile Loop, One Good Climb Moderate to Easy
Parking: From I70 drive south on Hwy 9 to Breckenridge. Turn left (east) on Wellington Rd. and proceed to the last stop sign. Turn Left – Parking is on your immediate left (on Reiling Rd.) and Betty’s Trailhead on your right. Parking is located at a playground.
Description: If you are looking for a dry late May, early June ride this is it. A popular loop with the locals. The Betty’s Trail entrance is at the corner of Wellington/Reiling Rd. The actual Betty’s Trail is an immediate left (don’t miss it!). There is short climb, over a little creek and a few switch-backs. When you get to the top of the pitch it levels out. Betty’s Trail follows Reiling Rd., but keeps you off the pavement. The trail dumps you out on Reiling Rd. in the French Creek neighborhood. You will be on pavement for a few minutes.
At Cty Rd. 450 turn left and look for the Lower Flume Trailhead about 200 yards on your right, Just past the Kennington Place townhomes. Another little climb to the flume. Stay on the Lower Flume. It an easy winding trail with some small obstacles and slightly exposed areas. The trail crosses over pavement and jets into a meadow. This area can be soggy and gets narrow at times. You are now in the Highlands Neighborhood. This section is easy to moderate with great views.
The Trail meets pavement again, go straight, the trail continuation is not far, about 100 yrds. On your right, just after the yellow Highlands Drive Sign, the Lower Flume Trail continues, but you will take an Immediately turn RIGHT on to Mike’s Trail!
Mike’s Trail will be your grunt for the day. The first pitch is shorter and comes to an intersection. Go Right! You can add more distance by going left on the Middle Flume Trail. For our ride today, you will Go Right! Follow Mikes Trail for another good pitch, this one will get your heart pumping. It keeps going too. You will come to another Intersection at the Upper Flume Trail. Again, you could go left, but Go Right today.
Follow the Upper Flume Trail south. It winds around on an old Flume, through homes and be sure to stay on the trail. It will ultimately intersect with the Lower Flume at the beginning of this loop. The last little pitch is loose and rooted, so be careful. At the Intersection, Turn Left and it will take you back to Cty Rd. 450. Turn left on Cty Rd 450, Right on Reiling Rd and continue to the end of the neighborhood where you will connect with Betty’s Trail on the left side of the road. Follow Betty’s Trail back to the parking lot.