Reviewed by: Barry , from Columbia

Summary:
This trail is just plain fun. You won't get killed, and you'll cover some cool territory. The trail is all singletrack with several memorable sections. Early on, you'll find yourself sqeezed in beneath a rocky ledge on your left, and a creek 20' below to your right -- really neat. At Hwy 8 (1.58 mi), cross the highway and jog 30' to your right where the trail runs down an old road bed to Lost Creek. After you get your knees wet in Lost Creek, you have your first real climb. At approximately mile 5, you'll be suffering through overgrown Machell Hollow, then get a cool, rocky uphill to Co. 603 (mile 5.6). East of 603, you'll climb up a narrow draw with a wet-weather creek running down sandstone shelves. Back across 603, you pedal up through the Timberline Savannah project (open understory forest) to FS 2514 a few feet from its intersection with 603. Across FS 2514, you have to suffer through 0.2 miles of clear cut, but the payoff is BIG. You get a long rollercoaster section that'll have you laughing out loud. At mile 9.3, you'll cross mossy li'l Snapps Branch, climb several switchbacks, then drop several more to a multiple creek crossing at mile 9.86. Ignore several atv trails, and take the left-most path after the creek crossings. Look for OT markers pretty quickly. The last mile or so to Hazel Creek rewards you with a great, fast, descent. Now, how 'bout another 13 miles to Council Bluffs?

Recommended Route:
North to South. Begin by leaving the Berryman Campground clockwise, then pick up the Courtois on your left after about 1/2 mile.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Trace Creek North and South, Karkaghne, Council Bluffs