Awesome ride! We rode the clockwise loop & after doing it, I think it's the best way to go. There was a lot of hike a bike & some steep sections, going up towards Hen Skin lake. & shortly past there. Going down Northway was great.  There was only 1 small fallen tree that I remember. Part of Northway was a narrow rut, it would be harder to ride up it than down. Northway has some rooty sections too & some loose & sandy sections, which is why I think it would be better going down. Great views at the top though, it's worth it!