This entry is about a loop that we ride just about every week. If we could, we would fit this one in more often, but with the nagging responsibilities of every day life, we can’t seem to make it out here other than weekends.
This is a good loop to ride if you want to put in about 12 miles. First ride Hard Times to South Ridge Road out to Sleepy Gap then down to the Explorer Loop, make a left and ride the loop around, connect back in to the Pine Tree Loop, and back along Bent Creek Road to the trail head. There is one section of the Explorer Loop that is marked “hikers” only, but my trail map says this is a bike trail. If you park at the Arboretum’s greenhouse parking lot, this loop is about 12 miles. It is a good ride and 
it has plenty of good scenery to take in, and unlike the right side of the Bent Creek watershed after you climb up Hard Times, you really have the trails all to yourself. 
There has been quite a bit of work done to the Explorer loop. I would like to take my hat off and say thanks for all the hard work that has been done. This trail is a great one and the work that they did just made it that much better.
Follow this link for the latest Bent Creek map and get out there!!
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek/new_maps_on-line!.htm.
