Reviewed by: dave , from lyons, co

Summary:
I know it's sacriligious to say this about MO biking, but this trail is hands down, better than the Berryman trail. A great ride, no doubt. Lots of variety and good views. This trail had single and double track, long climbs and solid downhills. None of it was very technical, just fast and smooth. The downhills are long and fast in the middle. Towards CB Lake, they are shorter and switchbacked. On this ride you've got creek crossings, flat wide open sections, twisty tree sections, and smoking downhills. A must do if you're in the area. I'd do it before I hit Berryman if I'm in the area again. One headsup, though. We rode it in Fall foliage, so the trail was difficult to discern due to all of the leaves on the ground. As a result, when we were in doubletrack, we missed the singletrack turnoff a few times and had to backtrack.

Recommended Route:
due to daylight constraints, we shuttled from Hazel Creek to CB Lake.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Berryman is OK, CB Lake is really good but short.

Reviewed by: Michael , from St. Louis

Summary:
Very rocky area...not in the way that it makes it very technical of a ride, but definitely nice and rugged. The MANY fun creek crossings combined with the sometimes gravely/sandy banks make a once over with oil, etc. on your bike a good idea after a weekend riding in this area. Very fun and doable trail topography. Never any monster climbs or downhills, but many of a more gradual nature that can make decent heart-pumping climbs rewarded by fun stretches of downhill that can be as challenging as you make it with speed. Some rocky decents can make tire traction a bit sketchy so try to glance a bit further ahead for the many turns these downhills offer to keep your speed in check. I loved this trail and the land that surrounds it. There are so many jeep roads and fire roads to explore around the area (especially near Hazel Creek Campground) that make this land a true treasure.

Recommended Route:
I started at Hazel Creek (Note: once you're in the campsite you've passed the trail entrance...look for the start of the trail with the interlocked OT symbol at the mouth of the road that leads you in the campground just as it hits the camping area). We rode to Council Bluffs Lake and this looked like it might be an even better starting area. If you start at Hazel Creek, at mile 13-14ish you'll hit paved highway DD. You can get to Council Bluffs Lake and it's trail by either following the trail across where it picks up across the road and stay on it for about 2 miles or you can take a left on DD for an easy hwy ride to the lake. Lake turn off will be on your right.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Take time to explore some of the many jeep roads in the area which will lead you through some beautiful land and very different terrain compared to typical St. Louis or even Berryman-ish riding.

Reviewed by: Barry , from Columbia

Summary:
The good trail surface and moderate grades make this trail either "do-able" for the beginner, or smokin' for the advanced -- it's pure fun for both. Good camping, good fishing, groceries/gas, and a bevy of other high-quality trails nearby, make this trail part of a great weekend roadtrip. The Courtois Section of the OT (under constructionn in Summer 2000) will eventually connect North Trace Creek with the Berryman.

Recommended Route:
This trail is enjoyable ridden either south from Hazel Creek, or north from Council Bluff Lake. The direction you choose depends more on whether you intend to ride it as a loop and whether you prefer camping at a primitive site (free, Hazel Creek) or an improved one ($$,Council Bluff Lake.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Berryman, Council Bluff Lake, South Trace Creek