As anyone who has walked, fished or mountain biked in Arcadia can tell you, there are numerous trails. The trail report was set up with the intent of taking about an hour to complete. It is not the fastest way to get to any spot or trail. It is set up to offer a variety of riding footings, technical aspects and inclines.
Begin by parking at the West Exeter Church. Running parallel to route 165 is a trail. It has a rusty metal bar at the beginning. Ride down the steep hill to the Midway parking area. From there go right onto the dirt road called Midway Railroad. This dirt road is open to vehicles. Ride over a bridge whose stream feeds Wood River. The road opens up to another parking area, stay on Midway Railroad and ride down the main dirt road.
Shelter Trail Map
Photo Courtesy Google Maps
There is another block there to stop vehicles from entering. Midway is sand, grass and in some areas deep sand. It has sloping hills, gradual inclines and open fields. Through the fields the footing is packed and can be ridden very fast. It can be hot to ride this trail in the summer since it is fairly open to the sun. In early September the milkweed growing in the fields attracts monarch butterflies.
Midway opens up into a dog training area with a pavilion and parking area. From the end of Midway take a left onto Plain Road. This road is open to vehicles. Ride up the hill and take the first right onto a shelter trail. The trail is open and was an old road.
Take the second right and climb a small hill to the old stone fireplace and foundations. This is a great area to stop and explore. Use caution since the ground is littered with broken glass.
Stone Fireplace
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
Continue on the Shelter Trail and pass some old cabins and shelters. The trail comes to the top of a hill, here someone has built steps going down the hill. This hill is a hidden gem and a technical surprise out in the woods. Then turn around push the bike back up the hill and ride it again.
Hill with Steps
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
From here continue down the main trail. Eventually it forks. Left, ends at a small creek that is the border with Camp E-Hun-Tee. There is an old bridge to explore. Right continues on the Shelter Trail to Plain Road.
Old Bridge
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
Take a left on Plain Road and ride up a long hill. At the top take a right and continue on another Shelter Trail. This trail goes through hardwoods and pine woods and offers small inclines, mud and grass footing.
The Shelter Trail ends on Frosty Hollow Road near Frosty Hollow Pond. Take a right on Frosty Hollow Road and ride to the end at the church parking area.
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