Reviewed by: Johnny B , from Roanoke

Summary:
Its a shame to read about this trail now. I moved from st. louis in 92, and started riding this trail in 90. its a shame that it is closed now. Actually it was closed to bikes back then too, but I had met several rangers on the trails then and none of them ever hassled me or told me it was closed. I used to stop at the overlook of the river for a break and a drink. too bad, it was one of the best trails around. Maybe if people stop riding on it they and start going about it the right way they will open it up to bikers again.

Recommended Route:
counter clockwise

Reviewed by: Ed , from Eureka, MO

Summary:
As a hiker and mtn. biker for many years, I have to say
that the bonehead mtn. bikers who've ridden this trail
for years illegally have screwed if up for other bikers. This trail wasn't just recently closed to
biking, its been closed for years with prominent NO
BIKING sign. Go to the Lost Valley, Chubb, Declue,
trails,etc. Any bikers on the trail need to be
reported to the Dept. of Conservations guys at Bush
Wildlife.

Recommended Route:
DON'T RIDE THIS TRAIL!!!

Reviewed by: Cartman , from St. Charles, MO

Summary:
Ride Matson Hill Co. park. About 15 miles south and totally legal. I've heard the evil biker story about L&C but I hike the trail and it has a bad erosion problem as well. Good portions of the trail will fall off the bluff with a heavy rainstorm. No stars for the poachers, five for a great trail to hike.

Recommended Route:
DON'T RIDE THIS TRAIL, IT'S CLOSED!!!!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Matson Hill, Castlewood, Chubb

Reviewed by: jimbo , from st charles, mo.

Summary:
As an older biker, I used to ride this trail in 1988,
WHEN IT WAS LEGAL. This trail is now closed to bikers.The reason is that some ignorant goofballs would roost down the trails past the hikers, basically without warning and scaring the **** out of them. When they complained, the trail was shut down. It is really amazing how far a little trail etiquette goes.
I used to ride this trail every night after work when
it was legal. Granted, it is a great trail, but you
"outlaw", "power to the people" dudes are doing the entire biker community in the area a great disservice.
I agree that there is no good reason for this trail to
be closed, and the Conservation Dept has been less than enlightened in recognizing our needs, but we need
to work together to get this trail re-opened so that
everyone can enjoy it. Doug in O'Fallon has the right
idea. It really pisses me off when I see bike racks in
the lot, while I'm respecting the closure. I don't
agree with the closure either, but aggravating the
"powers that be" doesn't gain us any brownie points.
Let's work together to get more good trails opened.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Chubb Trail, Greensfelder Park, Castlewood.

Reviewed by: fredbird , from MO

Summary:
It's boneheads like you that close too many trails for the rest of us. I have been working to open this trail for several years and one of the biggest reasons is that bikers in general do not follow rules. The Conservation Department is not there to serve every recreation need in town and the only hope we have is to go by the book. Folks who call themselves outlaws and those who ride where they are not supposed to ride are selfish and do not care about anything but themselves. Would you want someone to come onto your property and have a party or tear up your yard without your permission? Or better yet, have bicycle riding banned completely because of illegal activity. We might be increasing in numbers but the Conservation Dept. has no obligation to have any trails open to bikes. If they close them all we will be forced to ride the Katy or other DNR sites.
One of your criteria below is "Let's keep it legal." These trails are NOT open to bikes and should be removed from the rating system.