Part of the challenge of the Medoc Meltdown is following the trail. This is the runner’s responsibility. Our route will have no special markings, streamers, pie plates or anything else.
For those of you who have run the Medoc Trail races, this is exactly the same course you run there.
Initial Loop From Picnic Shelter (5.2 miles)
- Cross field and take upper Discovery Loop Trail. Stay left at first intersection.
- Stay straight. one service trail (usually grown up) does enter on the left side while the main trail bears right . . . this could be a little tricky! Stay on main trail.
- Cross rough dirt road and continue on Discovery Trail. Come to bridge.
- Cross bridge and turn sharp LEFT onto Dam Site Loop Trail.
- In about ½ mile a trail will intersect from left. STAY RIGHT!
- Continue on Dam Site Trail to summit
- At summit, drop your oxygen bottle and turn right onto jeep road now called Summit Loop Trail
- After about 1 mile on jeep road, turn RIGHT and follow Summit Loop Trail.
Currently there is a huge gravel pile at the turn . . . but the park is scheduled to remove it so it may be there . . . or not!!! - If you miss this turn, you will come to the fire tower within 1/3 mile and you will know your error!!! (free bonus distance for you!)
- Follow Summit Loop Trail across hill, down to creek and the follow creek back upstream to bridge.
- Cross Bridge and turn left following creek downstream on lower Discovery Loop Trail. Stay left, following creek until trail finally turns up hill. One trail intersects from right just past a short bridge and it goes up the hill too. Don’t be mislead, stay left and follow the creek until you can’t follow the creek anymore!!
- Follow trail back to shelter.
Second Loop From Picnic Shelter (3.5 miles) - Take Bluff Loop Trail. Always take a LEFT choice at EVERY intersection until you come to the paved road at the camping area.
- At road turn left and then back to the right in front of the restroom.
- Then turn right again. Go maybe 20 yards and find the hidden trail to the left.
- Follow this little trail back to the start.
THAT’S ONE LOOP . . . 8.7 miles DONE!!!