Mallet Pond Loop - 7.0 mi.

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Mountainbiking
Schoharie County

From the parking lot proceed around the locked gate and down a narrow gravel road.  The road winds down to a grassy area near the shore of Mallet Pond.  Proceed straight and to the right around the pond.   Find your way around the pond making sure to cross the dam. Continue around the pond to a 4x4 road.  When you come to the road bear right.  The road/trail begins a 500 ft. descent.  Portions of the descent may have water running down the road, so be prepared to get a little wet.  The descent is moderately technical, suitable for intermediate riders.  Experts will bomb the descent.  About 2/3 the way down the trail bears left and up to a short, muddy section before continuing down further.  At 1.7 miles you come to Sawyer Hollow Rd.  Sawyer Hollow is a paved, county road.

Bear left on Sawyer Hollow Rd. You will continue descending for 1.6 miles to Cemetary Rd.  Turn left on Cemetary Rd.  Careful that you don't miss it as the turn is on a descent.  Cemetary Rd. is a dirt road and begins a tough, 700 ft. climb.  The 20% sections are manageable with your MTB gearing, and don't be embarrassed if you spend some time in your granny gear.  Onward and upward.

You top off 5 miles from the car and the road will come to a gate leading straight and the road turns right.  GO STRAIGHT around the gate.  You are now on a gravel road, but at least it's flat, with a little downhill.  About 1 mile from the gate bear left and down.  There isn't much of choice here, just follow the gravel road.

A winding gravel descent takes you around another pond.  Once across the dam, negotiate a short, steep rise and follow the trail around the pond to a parking area.   Turn left and up to Rossman Fly Rd.

Turn left on the dirt road and you'll soon reach the entrance to the Mallet Pond parking area.

Ride Notes:  Finding your way on this route is not hard at all.  However, don't miss the turn off on to Cemetary Rd., and don't forget to go around the gate at the top of the climb.  Otherwise, navigation is a piece of cake.  Next - The climb is a morale killer.  It's a smooth, dirt road suitable for a 'vette, but the first half is daunting.  The top half is much more manageable.  Next - you'll get wet and maybe pretty muddy.  Even in the driest season there are water crossings.   In spring this is a soaking ride, but still entirely rideable.  Next - technical requirements are modest.  The descent is hairy, but only at speed.   Beginners may find it unrideable in parts, but intermediates can keep speeds down and handle it.  Next - stronger riders will do the loop in 45 minutes or less and may wish to do it twice.  The descent is worth it.