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Mantua Reservoir Dike Trail
Mantua Reservoir is a small scenic lake at the town of Mantua, a few
miles up the canyon from Brigham City. The dike trail is a broad cindered
path along the water's edge. The length is 4.2 miles, and the ride is
absolutely flat and very easy. The ride is suitable for families with
baby-trailers and even training wheels.
Joel Quinn and Gene Poncelet take a
break from their usual hammerfest monster rides to check out the trails of
Mantua with me. May 24, 2012.
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| I suggest a counter-clockwise ride. There are three
trailheads on the reservoir, all with bathrooms. Which trailhead you
select will depend on what additional activities you plan for your
family.
This is the trailhead at the southeast
corner, which I recommend for biking-centric trips. It's quiet, uncrowded,
and pretty. |
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The southeast trailhead is secluded and quiet, with nearby
fishing spots but no launching facilities. This would be my recommendation
for bike-centered activity. You can reach it by pulling up onto the south
dike road at the boat-launch area. (This is the only spot where vehicles are
allowed on the dike. At this point the bike trail temporarily moves off
the dike and runs alongside it.)
Drive 0.9 miles east to the trailhead. This trailhead is also the closest
to the new Eagle Rise singletrack.
Gene and Joel pedal along the eastern
shore. |
| There's a trailhead at the northwest corner with picnic
tables. It's close to US-89 so it's a bit noisier. It can be a
good choice if your kids want to play in the water at a safe distance from
the boat-launch.
The southwest trailhead is the main boat-launch facility. In addition
to bathrooms, there's a shaded pavilion. Parking may be in short supply at
this trailhead on summer weekends.
A pelican rests in the water of the
eastern shore. |
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The western side of the reservoir is fairly open. When
riding counterclockwise, this gives you great views of the mountains to
the south of Mantua. Just after passing the boat launch, veer to your right onto
the cindered bike path that runs alongside the dike, so you don't have
to contend with cars driving on the dike to the southeast trailhead.
On the eastern side, trees line the space between dike and water. There
are frequent peeks at pelicans, loons, and ducks.
View south from the northeast corner
of the lake. |
| Intermediate riders will want to add a trip on the Eagle
Rise trail system, a series of singletrack loops at the southwest corner of the
reservoir. These trails give you nice views of the reservoir and
surrounding hills. Eagle Rise forks to your right (as you're riding
counterclockwise) 0.3 miles from the southeast trailhead.
Looking northeast from the same spot,
which is why I think counterclockwise is the more scenic route. |
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Getting there:
Exit I-15 at the first Brigham City exit (to Logan and US-91). Head east
toward the mountains, and keep straight as you cross the main road into
Brigham City and join US-89 heading up Sardine Canyon. From the freeway,
drive 4.5 miles to the second Mantua (600 North) exit. Turn right, then
right again on main street. The first trailhead (TH#1) is
immediately on your left. As you pass the boat launch (TH#2), turn
left and climb onto the dike N41 29.999 W111 56.522. Now drive 0.9 miles
to the east and park in the paved parking area of TH#3 (N41 29.793 W111 55.562).
Camping: Mountain View campground, SE corner of
lake
Water: Boat launch
Bathrooms: All three trailheads. |
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