Preferring Kingdom Trails in Late August

Burke Mountain Resort rooms have views of Lake Willoughby or Burke Mountain.

In years past, we've made (once or twice by myself) an annual pilgrimage to ride the Kingdom Trails, though usually in July, to celebrate my birthday. I have always enjoyed their breadth of intermediate, interesting, and confidence building, extensive single track network. It's inspiring. 

Though steamy in July. 

This time we went late August. For the first time, we pieced together 2 amazing loops, totaling approximately 10-12 miles each. It felt like a breakthrough, enjoying the longer distance on mostly new-to-us trails. I finished with a big grin, astounded it was so much fun. And I wasn't worn out. My husband confirmed he felt the same way. Maybe it was lowering the saddle with my new dropper post. Or we gained fitness, recently riding both Millstone and Cricket Hill trails. More likely, it's because of cooler weather and being hydrated. 

We rounded out the third morning on rolling Campfire Ring - a favorite - and slogged up and whooped down new-to-us Pudding Hill trail - never again, before driving home.

Yup, we'll be back next year!