Why Knob Hill is the most underrated trail in Dallas-Fort Worth

It was a glorious Sunday morning in November riding Knob Hill, the 13-mile DORBA (Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association) mountain bike trail at the west end of Lake Grapevine. While trying to stay on the back wheel of Josh, the morning light strobing through the trees, quiet except the sound of our breathing, I asked myself the question I ask myself every time I ride Knob Hill: "Why isn't Knob Hill on people's Top Local Trails list?" It totally should be. The answer, in general is "It's complicated".

Knob Hill is probably the most polarizing trail among the 33 DORBA trails. There are more haters than lovers. We know riders who live 10 miles from Knob Hill, who will drive 25+ miles to ride the eastern side of Northshore (loops 1-4) or Boulder Park. These are great trails for sure. But I would argue Knob Hill offers a better MTB experience, closer for many in the Metroplex than most other trails.

As a public service, below is a breakdown of the knocks we hear against Knob Hill and what we believe these riders are really saying about each.

"Knob Hill is boring"

Okay, about 3 miles (23%) of Knob Hill is kinda boring. But that's like saying mountain biking is boring because the ride from the parking lot to the first sick section is boring. I prefer what fans of Knob Hill say about that 'boring' section: "That's the section to challenge your fitness. How hard and fast can you go through the flats and still get through the 10 miles of more technical stuff without seeing green monkeys. It's a physical and mental workout".

"Knob Hill is flat"

Not true. The climbing of the 10 miles not including loop 3 is about the same as Northshore. And you don't hear riders complaining they don't ride Northshore because "It's too flat".

"I just don't like Knob Hill"

We hear this one the most. What riders mean when they say this is generally...

..."Knob Hill is too hard"

Now we're getting to the truth. Knob Hill has some hard-ass technical sections for this part of Texas. Most intermediate riders can't ride Knob Hill without getting off their bike and walking a few times. Knob Hill is rated as Intermediate/Expert on MTB Project. By comparison, Boulder Park is rated Intermediate. As is Northshore Loops 1-5. MTB Project has is right. There are some tight, steep, technical roots, rock reggae to keep you on your toes and challenge you at Knob Hill. But that is one of the trails' biggest strengths. I am constantly cursing and praising the Knob Hill trail-builders for their choice of lines. And I love them for it. Instead of local riders hating on Knob Hill, I'd like to see local riders saying "I rode Knob Hill and only walked once/twice/without dabbing".

So in summary, here are the five reasons Knob Hill is the most underrated trail in the DOBRA fleet:

1. It's mostly used by mountain bikers

It is a multi-use trail. And we're lucky MTB riding is allowed and should act that way. But, it's nice when MTB riders are the majority of trail users. Everyone's expectations managed. Less uncomfortable interactions. Happier coexistence. Advantage Knob Hill.

2. It's (generally) a single-direction trail

Until you've lived where the trails are multi-directional, you will never take for granted when a trail is generally understood and used as a single-direction trail. As riders, we should never stop appreciating this. Advantage Knob Hill.

3. It's not as crowded as the other Top Trails in DFW

That's not to say more and more riders aren't discovering the diamond that is Knob Hill. But if all the DOBRA trails are open, chances are there will be lighter usage on Knob Hill's 13-miles than Northshore, Boulder, Big Cedar, Erwin, others.

4. It's easier to navigate

It's hard to get lost at Knob Hill. Hey, adventure is great and "not all who wander are lost" is our MO and all that. But when you're having a great ride you don't want to look at your app every half-mile to make sure you're going the right way.

5. It's more challenging in more ways: Technical and endurance

Some sections are challenging in one aspect. And some sections challenge both at the same time. Exhibit A: The Goat Killer climb. It's the pinnacle of challenge for even the most advanced rider. And for some of us, its the El Capitan of climbs in DFW.

We love Knob Hill. And we're grateful to the trail stewards and DORBA for everything they do to keep this trail in top shape.

If you ride Knob Hill or other DORBA trails, please consider becoming a member. www.dorba.org