Cool aka the Olmstead Loop, map and directions by Rockalot!

Cool/Olmstead Loop

Site Of The Cool MTB Race!
Our area's biggest and most infamous MTB race.
Since this race is held in mid February it's a muddy one!

This trail is know mostly as Cool but it's official name is The Olmstead Loop and was once known as The Knickerbocker Trail.
The trail is named in memmory of a local mountain bike advocate, Dan Olmstead, who succeeded in gaining access to what was previously a horse trail.

Cool is part of the Auburn State Recreation Area, 530.885.4527 This trail is suited for all levels. Beginners will have to be carefully in a couple of spots but should be able to ride all of the trail except for a couple of slipery rock uphills. This trail is very popular with the equestrians so always be on the lookout and remember that they have the "Right Of Way". One of the things I like about this ride is the hose in the parking lot that you can wash the mudd off of your bike with. The trail has a couple of stream crossings, a couple of challenging climbs and a couple of Cool downhills. All 'n all a Cool ride!

Trail Facts
Location: East of Auburn on Hwy 49 in the town of Cool
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous, technical sections
Skill Level: Intermediate
Elevation: 900' gain/loss
Ride Type: Loop
Trail Type: Single, double track, fire road

How To Get There
From US-50 or I-80 exit onto Hwy 49. Travel east if you exit off of I-80 and exit west from US-50. Cool is a small town so don't blink or you might miss the trail head which is right behind the Cool Fire Station. That's it, a real easy trail to find!

The Ride
The trail is ridden by most as a counter clockwise loop. Trail head is to the right of the parking lot across the road you came in on. At the left end of the parking lot is the other end of the loop and goes to the infamous stream crossing that attracts many durring the Cool MTB Race. You will encounter a few cattle gates along the trail that you will have to open and then make sure you close them too! There are a few ways to take the loop and there is plenty of signage so enjoy your ride.

Click here to pop-up a general map of the area.