Heatherwood Bike Park loop from Ephrata

If you're searching for a dedicated jogging route, the Heatherwood Bike Park loop from Ephrata, despite its name, is a moderate 7.0-mile (11.2 km) route with 360 feet (110 metres) of elevation gain that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, this trail is primarily designed for mountain biking, making it generally not recommended for runners. For a much safer and more enjoyable experience, the adjacent Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail is a far better choice for joggers.

What to expect on Heatherwood Bike Park loop from Ephrata

Inside the Heatherwood Bike Park, you'll encounter 1.5 miles of singletrack trails, pump tracks, dirt jumps, and various skill areas. These features, like berms, rollers, and switchbacks, are built for bikes, making for an uneven and constantly changing surface if you attempt to jog them. Expect steep inclines and sharp turns, which are challenging and potentially dangerous for runners, especially with active mountain bike traffic. The broader area offers views of villages, farmland, and forested areas, but the bike park's internal loops are not designed for a scenic jog.

Planning your visit

While the Heatherwood Bike Park is open to the public, its design means joggers should exercise extreme caution or consider alternatives. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for access. For a truly jogger-friendly experience, head to the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, which is directly adjacent to the bike park and offers a milder grade with both paved and unpaved sections. Parking for the bike park would likely serve as an access point for the rail trail as well.

Trail details

• Distance: 7.0 miles (11.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 360 feet (110 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 10 minutes