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Trail of the Four Winds-Lake Ozark State Park
24 reviews
4.13 of 5
All singletrack, of varying difficulty. Basically a big loop, with several smaller loops connecting to it. Easy to bail out of most areas. This is Karst topography, which means ROCKY!! This trail is challenging and fast for a serious rider, but is rideable by average riders at slower speeds. There are horses sometimes, so the trail condition varies, but mostly good. Excellent for night riding. Bring water, and you will get ticks in the summer unless you never stop. This trail is what its all about: rough, fast, big hills, and silly-fast descents.
From the Hwy 54 & 42 junction, go South about 5 miles to the state park turn-off, to the right. Follow main park road about another 1 1/2 mile and look for well marked trail head on Right. Lots of gravel parking.
Summary: This trail has some real technical stuff at times and I would plan to make a day of it if you intend on riding the whole thing. Also, horse damage has gotten particularly bad and that combined with recent rain makes parts of this trail unrideable. So, there is some hike-a-bike. Otherwise, there are some real fast downhills on this trail.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Honeyrun, Bittersweet
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Summary: Worth the trip from anywhere in a 200 mile radius.
This trail offers diverse terrain features, with varying difficulty.
I believe the guy at Ozark Cyclery said it best "You'll learn a thing or two on that trail." He was right. There are some monster hills in some spots with loose rocks on the surface. Although, most of the hills allow runway at the bottom, so you don't have to worry bashing into trees. This is a very fun and fast trail. In most places the trail is wide and well-kept. There are areas where horses have really trampled. Be weary of hitting this trail after a rain, as the spots lock in the water and makes you feel like you're riding through a trough. The map that they hand out at Ozark Cycles is decent but is not very descriptive. It is printed in black and white copy, and has no landmark identification labeling. We ended up off their route quite often.. TICKS! You WILL get them on this trail. Between me and my buddy, we pulled off at least 100 of them. Long socks and bug spray will help.
Recommended Route: Get the map at Ozark Cyclery, but ask them to explain the route thoroughly. It is a good route. But, like I said previously, the map is not the easiest to follow.
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Review Date August 9, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5
Technical Difficulty 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Eddie
,
Cross Country Rider
Summary: One of the better new trails I tried out this summer. It has a good length and a good difference in terrain. A few good climbs with some decents you can really let the bike carry you down.
Recommended Route: Get the map from Oz Cycles on Hwy 54.
Other recommended trails in the same area: This is the only trail I've ridden in the Ozarks so far.
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Review Date June 16, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Every few months
Reviewed by: Shawn
, from Tulsa, OK
Summary: This route is awsome and depending on your fitness level will take you 1.5-2 hours to ride. For me, this is a great diversion from visiting the in-laws. Overall, there will be some climbing involved but you will be rewarded with some beautiful views and equally enjoyable descents. Before you leave, do take a moment to fill out a comment card and mention that you are a biker, enjoyed the trail and wish that more wilderness parks/areas had trails in them. This is important because there are several horse-ridding people out there trying to keep us bikers from having a fun place to ride for fear that we tear up the trails. I just don't see how any 150-250lb. person on a 25-45lb. bike will tear up any trail more than a 800+lb. horse and rider??? So do us all a favor, fill out the comment card.
Recommended Route: Route recommended by "Joe Hettiarachchy" from his review 5/01.
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Review Date March 4, 2003
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Greg Lewis
, from St. Louis
Summary: Love the trail can't wait to ride it again. I rode the trail with my wife about a month ago. I ride about once a month and she rides only a couple times a year. This trail will wear you out if your not a regular rider. The vulchers were swarming near the end of the trail.
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