Directions: From Columbia, 63 South to Hwy Y at the Ashland Exit.
Take Hwy Y 7 miles East to the Pine Ridge Recreation Area.
Trail Information: The Cedar Creek trails has over 30 miles of trail that
include technical, steep climbs and descents with creek-crossings, runs through
meadows, connectors on country roads and trailheads at several campgrounds.
I start at the Pine Ridge Recreation Area, and immediately encounter steep
declines and ascents which occur throughout the 3 miles to the Dry Fork
campground. The singletrack is pretty rocky, and at least once encounters
the creek. I've been able to rockhop across the Dry Fork creek all but one
time, and that required taking on quite a soaker. Trail maintenance seems
sporadic.
All but the longest runs will be an out and back, as the entire trail is a
35-mile loop. There is a 1/4 mile trek through a meadow near the Pine
Ridge trailhead, and in the summer, it's tick heaven. Insect repellant
worked for me, though. There are water pumps at the Pine Ridge and Dry Fork
trailheads, along with port-a-potties. The closest place for drinks/snacks
is Ashland 7 miles away, which is also where they'll cart you in case of injury.
Miscellaneous Information: Watch for Nevins Homestead about a mile or so
from the Pine Ridge campground. It's an abandoned set of buildings from
the mid-1800s, and is a neat piece of history.
Matt