REVENGE OF THE RATTLESNAKE RACE
Sunday | September 21st, 2025
REVENGE OF THE RATTLESNAKE RACE
Ready to prove yourself against one of West Virginia’s toughest races? The Revenge of the Rattlesnake Race stands as a formidable challenge in the heart of Appalachia, testing the mettle of even the most experienced mountain bikers. This backcountry mountain bike race is renowned for its grueling terrain, technical obstacles, and the sheer willpower required to complete it. Featuring a mix of rhododendron tunnels, old logging trails, former railroad grades, and backcountry paths, each segment hosts a unique set of challenges—from technical rock gardens to root-laden paths. Are you ready to conquer the Revenge of the Rattlesnake? See you at the starting line.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
RACE DAY REGISTRATION @ 8:00 A.M. | 📍Town of Davis Riverfront Park Pavillion
RACE BEGINS @ 10:00 A.M. | 📍River Road Trail to Blackwater Falls State Park (Splash Dam Trailhead)
RACE CUTOFF TIME @ 1:00 P.M. | 📍Splash Dam Trailhead
RACE FINISH LINE | 📍Camp 70 Trails Gateway Trailhead
RACE ROUTE
FIRST HALF: DAVIS TRAIL LOOP
The race kicks off on the River Road Trail, with a slight left onto Yellow Birch. Prepare for the first major challenge as you turn left to climb up the demanding Davis Trail. A sharp right onto Plantation Trail is up next. Continue onto Fire Trail #6, an aid station awaits riders at the end or Fire Trail #6 at Canaan Loop Road intersection, offering a momentary respite. Keep left at Canaan Loop Road, before making a sharp left to start your descent back down Fire Trail #3 to Plantation Trail intersection where you will turn left and continue until you reach Davis Trail intersection. Take a right on Davis Trail to begin your descent.
The route then leads right onto Yellow Birch, takes a slight right back to River Road Trail, and heads towards the Town of Davis. A left on onto Splash Dam Trail under Route 32 bridge, marking the end of the first half—a challenging 13 miles with over 1,000ft. of both climbing and descending. An aid station will be stationed at the beginning of Splash Dam Trailhead. Only those who reach this checkpoint before 1:00 p.m. are deemed fit to continue.
SECOND HALF: SPLASH DAM TRAIL TO HOODOO CLIMB & DOWN MOON ROCKS
Refuel and regroup at the Aid Station at Splash Dam Trailhead before heading into the second half. Turn left on Splash Dam Trail and stay on this trail for 3.3. miles until you come to the bridge. At the bridge take a left towards Camp 70 road. At the gravel Camp 70 road take a left and go .10 of a mile to take a right to hop onto Yellow Creek Trail, make another right to start climbing. This will begin your next ascent. Take a slight right onto HooDoo Rocks Trail and begin a challenging climb with over 800 feet in ascending through some gnarly technical terrain, including rock and root gardens that demand concentration and skill. Once out of the climb, take a left onto Moon Rocks Trail into the descent down Moon Rocks. Brace yourself for the descent - a thrilling part of the course.
As you ride down the mountain, push through and take a slight right onto Trials Trail near the National Youth Science Academy. Continue across the gravel road and at the next intersection, continue straight to stay on Trials for the final push to the finish line which will be at the end of the trail at Camp 70 Trails Gateway Trailhead. The race covers 24.8 miles with a total elevation gain of 2,045 feet.
As you ride down the mountain, push through and take a slight right onto Trials Trail near the National Youth Science Academy. Continue across the gravel road and at the next intersection, continue straight to stay on Trials for the final push to the finish line which will be at the end of the trail at Camp 70 Trails Gateway Trailhead. The race covers 24.8 miles with a total elevation gain of 2,045 feet.
