5 Mile Loop Trail 7300-7800 Elevation
Also called the Penrose Trail
This trail is popular with both bikes and motorcycles, so pay attention as you ride. It's a fun five miles with only a few tough spots, and even goes through two tunnels on Gold Camp Road.
From the Gold Camp Road parking lot, head east then north on High Drive. This one-way road winds uphill through the forest for about a mile, topping out at an old foundation called Captain Jack. The Penrose/Multi-Use trail heads northeast from there.
This trail goes up and down numerous hills, but no big climbs, as it winds along the north and east sides of Mays Peak. The smooth track is at times badly rutted by motorcycles, and in one spot the rut is five feet deep. But the smooth trail allows for plenty of fast riding, as it weaves all over the hillside and around trees. Always listen for motorcycles on this trail, they sometimes zing through the ruts like steep banked turns.
After a mile, the trail splits with both paths going down a rough hill to Gold Camp Road, and the right path a little shorter. Follow Gold Camp Road to the west and through two old tunnels. After a mile and a half of road is the Gold Camp parking lot.