Harris Hill and East Overland in Chaut. Co.
Harris Hill Ext Trail network
Harris Hill Ext. was created and is maintained by a group of folk who wanted more single track closer to home. We have about 6 miles from our 3 loops,
add that to the approx. 4 miles of out and back from R to V on the Lower East Overland, you will have close to 14 miles to play with. (4 out and 4 back = 8 my friend)
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Where is it
It's about 12 minutes outside of Jamestown or Falconer, NY about 20 minutes South of Fredonia, NY.
Google map link to the "yellow barrier" on Harris Hill Road. mainly used for trail work days, and some of the group rides. If you are heading down to ride, there is a larger parking lot at the corner of Rt. 50, (Gerry-Ellington Road) and Harris Hill Road, that you might prefer. You can pick up the Overland Trail and when you cross the pea gravel logging road and see the stone arrow, hang a right. and go have fun.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=201826048252375594035.0004994d0ec2db210b506&msa=0
There are 3 main loops, snag a pdf map off the website harrishillext.webs.com.
This summer there are plans to complete the returns and thus reduce the amount of intersections you may come to.
What you can expect
The Extension--We have tried to create a variety of riding, some sections are a bit tight and twisty, not technical in the sense of a lot of rocks and roots, but demands that you balance. Some sections allow you get some speed although I can't really claim flow ( you figure it for yourself). There are a few nice sections that dare we call pump single track areas. We have some natural trail features, and hope that as the network grows we can create some more variety.
The East Overland Trail Earl Cardot (Southern Section)- this is an out and back section, although it does split off into a Y. If heading North from S, I'd suggest you take the R2 (right fork in trail) and take it out to where it ends at Chautauqua Road, turn left, and within a half mile you will come to the R1 trail head that leads back into the woods and gets you back to where you need to be. All along the this section of the Overland, you will come across some bridges and skinnies which help increase the fun factor. some of the hills are rather steep, two of which, if I am there to witness you ride up them I'd be happy to buy you a round. There was some unfortunate straightening of the trail from U to V, and a boatload of gravel. (no I don't think they are putting in a railroad, but...)
please note: the upper Northern section of the East Overland is having issues, we will try to get a better report soon, but it looks like either logging or other major work has made certain sections from I to L difficult.
One last thing- we are very hopeful and encouraged that we will be creating more miles of single track in Chautauqua County, so far in our discussions with those that have the say, we should be in good shape, but as always if you are wondering if it is too wet to ride sometime, look on the site. we try to keep that up to date