The most obvious hindrance to rideability is Powder Mill's lack of a defined trailhead. Currently you have to search to find the eastern terminus which is not well marked and involves crossing a decent sized stream (Indian Creek). The western terminus is marked, but is accessible most of the year only by bike or on foot (or horse) from a gate that blocks Hatton Ridge Road at the end of county maintenance with no defined trailhead. The Hatton Ridge access is far removed from the Gorge proper even by vehicle. However, during hunting season the gate is open and you can drive to the trail itself in a 2WD vehicle in years when the road is in good condition.
Powder Mill's secondary problem is poor geometry. The trail was constructed it the 1990s and designated as a multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Due to it's poor marking and trailhead amenities it has suffered from low traffic and poor maintenance since its construction. Equestrians probably make up the highest percentage of users on this trail and they're normally limited to locals who ride in from the north as there are no good equestrian trailheads in the area either.
The trail has steep, unsustainable approaches at either end that are mandatory hike-a-bike going uphill and only for the determined as downhill rides. There are a couple of gully crossings along the mid-section of the trail that are very difficult to ride in good conditions and often torn up by horse traffic.
That brings us to Powder Mill's other issue: horse traffic. Equestrians use this trail in wet and soft conditions and exacerbate the other issues specific to this trail. There is little to no enforcement and education mainly because there are no official control points (i.e. trailheads) at either end.
Having said all of that...Powder Mill Branch Trail has incredible potential to be a stellar mountain bike trail. The parts that are rideable are stunning, and fun, and exhibit the potential the Red River Gorge has to become a mountain biking destination. Local activists have worked with the Forest Service to outline a potential reroute and expansion project to bring Powder Mill into the 21st century as a true multi-use trail. There's still a long way to go, but the foundations have been laid to make this into a great trail.
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| Yellow: Current existing Powder Mill Branch Trail Red: Initial proposed expansions (west end not well established at the time, east end takes advantage of bridge on FR 9a for creek crossing) Blue: reroutes to existing alignment "P" shows existing small parking area on FR 9a |
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| Potential final shape Yellow: existing sections to remain Red: final proposed expansions Blue: final proposed reroutes to existing alignment |
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