Trail Overview
The 9C EXT trail is a challenging, one-way single-track route traveling east to northwest. From the eastern entrance at the overlook on Trail 2C, the trail steeply descends on a well-defined single track with roots, ruts, and small logs, leading down to a small creek crossing. The descent includes a particularly steep and loose section with sticks, rocks, and roots, often obscured by leaf coverage. After paralleling the 9C Shortcut on a root- and rut-filled climb, the trail continues with a sustained, technical ascent for the final mile toward Trail 11C, offering multiple connections to Trails 1C and 2C along the way. The climb is steep and troughed, featuring embedded boulders, foot-tall slick root shelves, low-hanging tree branches, and sharp, narrow turns across the hillsides. Navigation requires attention: entrances at SxS trail crossings are often unmarked, but there are often "Do Not Enter" signs to indicate one-way travel, and multiple sections are more primitive and will require route finding. The technical nature demands focus and advanced skill.
Difficulty
This is an intermediate to advanced single track that has frequent technical features such as steep root obstacles, tricky loose climbs and descents, deep troughs and moderate shelves. Slick conditions in this terrain will increase the difficulty. This trail is best suited for experienced or advanced riders.
