Fern Ridge - Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area

The eastern end of the trail begins at a 4-way intersection with trails 102 and 113. This intersection is referred to as "W6". Throughout the park, you find numerous location signs that help you identify where you are, how long it takes to return to the trailhead, as well as trailhead contact information in case of any emergencies.

At an intersection with a large, flat boulder on the side of the trail, turn into a narrow cut in the trees, following the blue Jeep markers.

As the trail makes a slight turn and begins marching up the hill, the terrain becomes much rockier as you traverse large slabs of embedded rock, and boulders the size of deflated footballs and volleyballs.

The first black loop drops downhill and weaves between tight trees, forcing you to climb over compact sedan-sized boulders. The main trail stays atop the ridge and passes through fields of tiny ferns.

Pass over several flat, tabletop-sized rock slabs as the first black loop reconnects to the main trail. As you continue along the ridge, the trail width slowly begins to constrict, and you are forced to slow your pace and carefully maneuver around tight trees.

The second black loop breaks off from the main trail and circles around to the south, passing through boulders the size of tombstones and tabletops. The rocks in this black loop are somewhat smooth and flat but hide large tire-swallowing holes, resulting in a lot of differential dragging.

If the trail to this point is looking like it will be too much for you, you can take this early exit that treks north back to trail 102. The hardest parts of the trail are yet to come.

The second black loop reconnects with the main trail immediately after the alternate exit. The trail continues along the ridgeline snaking across rocky terrain and between tight trees, all while passing thick patches of young ferns.

Approach this 16" ledge with caution, as it can easily sneak up on you. This location is a great opportunity to see your suspension articulation.

Not long after the rocky drop, the trail offers a second alternate exit back to trail 102. This is your last opportunity to exit the trail before reaching the hardest, narrowest, and rockiest sections of the trail.

Route finding can be a little tricky at this spot, as there are multiple trails that split off. Staying right, and following the northern edge of the trail will continue along Fern Ridge. To your left, on the south end of the trail, you will see two trails. The southernmost trail, Got the Stones, is an insane trail marked well by signage and considered a red trail per the park standards. This trail is extremely off-camber with multiple 15-foot waterfall climbs, featuring stacks of tabletop-sized rock slabs. Between the red loop and the main Fern Ridge, a short black section treks parallel as a recovery route for vehicles stuck or broken down on the red loop.

The trail makes a slight turn up an extremely bouldery rock garden filled with flat beachball-sizes rocks. The rocks here are a bit loose and can move with each passing vehicle, thus tire placement is crucial. Sporadic rock gardens will pop up for the remainder of your travels along this trail.

Got the Stones reconnects from the south, which is also an entry point into the third black loop along Fern Ridge.

This rocky section of the trail is the most difficult section you will encounter. Tall and narrow tombstone-sized boulders rise up out of the earth, directly in the path you want to travel. Precision driving will be needed here to ensure your undercarriage and steering components do not become damaged.

Continue downhill, snaking through the narrow trees, and pass the entrance for the fourth and final black loop along Fern Ridge.

The final black loop reconnects from the west as you continue marching downhill to the end of the trail.

Fern Ridge comes to an end at a T-intersection with trail 102. Turning right and heading east will return you to location W6, and the trail start. Turning left and heading west will lead deeper into the western reserve.