Back Yard Trail

Until recently, Colonel Francis Beatty Park was our family's favorite mountain biking destination. Then we discovered the Back Yard Trail. This dynamic trail is hyper-challenging for avid riders, but also accessible for beginners. It has some fascinating features and fun roller coaster dips and turns. Set in dense wooded area, the natural surface trail is pleasant for hiking, too.

 

But before I go on, please note that this recommendation comes with a gentle warning: Proceed with caution. Parts of the trail are highly technical, which means there are obstacles and drops and jumps that are not suitable for many -- or most -- trail riders.

 

For your own safety, ride well within your limits (there are bypass options at every challenging point) and with the appropriate equipment (read: helmet!). For the safety of regular, advanced users, follow trail-riding etiquette, keep an ear out for approaching cyclists, and move swiftly aside when they come whirring by.

 

The 13-mile Back Yard Trail was blazed in 1987 by the Tarheel TrailBlazers mountain biking club. It snakes its way through and around wooded areas behind the waste water treatment plant at the intersection of Tyvola Rd. and Park Rd.

For a trail map and full turn-by-turn description of the entire route, visit MTB Project.

 

For a 5-mile option, I recommend the BYT Middle Third/Poo Tracks loop. Here's how to do it and what to expect:

 

Start at the Little Sugar Creek Greenway parking lot on Tyvola Rd. located across the street from the Queens University Sports Complex (2229 Tyvola Rd., 28210). Follow the paved greenway down the hill towards the creek and keep right.

 

In 0.6 miles, the BYT Middle Third trailhead will be on your right. The entryway is lined with boulders and marked with several trail signs.

 

Hop on the trail and, at the first intersection, stay straight for the Poo Tracks/Old Jumpline trail (marked with signs).

 

In about 0.75 miles, you'll come to an overgrown grid of 2-foot-wide "Poo Tracks," remnants of the wastewater treatment plat operations of yesteryear. The key to crossing these (as is the key to much of mountain biking) is keeping your momentum. But you can walk your bike along these if you're feeling a little shaky.

 

Over the course of several more miles, you'll encounter Concrete Hill (a climb up concrete slabs), a downhill jump line, berms and drops. Unless you really know what you're doing, steer clear of any features marked with black diamonds (simply walk your bike or take the trail shoulder).

 

Between obstacles, the packed dirt trail rolls pleasantly through the shaded woods, occasionally over a scattering of rocks and roots.

 

Following the black arrows will guide you back to the trailhead. But if you want to bail early, there's an unofficial side trail to a service road that leads to the stretch of greenway you came in on (you'll cross the service road on your way to the trailhead). Much of the trail is within sight distance of the greenway so you're not likely to lose your bearings.

 

The Back Yard Trail offers a fun natural roller coaster experience if you want to shake up your bike riding routine. Again, though, it’s a fun walk in the woods if you’d just as soon go for a hike. Either way, be mindful of other trail users and know your limits.

Happy adventuring.

 

Note: There are no restroom facilities along the trail so plan accordingly. Also, avoid the trail 24 hours after rain.

 

How to get there:
Park at the Little Sugar Creek Greenway parking lot on Tyvola Rd. located across the street from the Queens University Sports Complex (2229 Tyvola Rd., 28210). Follow the paved greenway down the hill towards the creek and keep right. In 0.6 miles, the BYT Middle Third trailhead will be on your right. The entryway is lined with boulders and marked with several trail signs.

 

Don't forget to pack:

• Bike and helmet: Unless you'd prefer to hike.
• Comfortable shoes: Something supportive for the challenging terrain.
• Water: Pack plenty; there are no restroom facilities for refilling.
• Snacks: You'll want to recharge after this outing.