Review Date
August 8, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: MtnSpectre ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I finally made it out to this trail. I thought it was farther from where I live. Mistaken....only a little over an hour. Anyway, I started at the Ozark trailhead off of Hwy 8. The additional 2.4 miles wouldn't have made a difference to me. I was smoked at mile 20 at which time I also ran out of water. I read the reviews saying bring extra water. I did with a full camelbak and a water bottle packed along. Next time two more bottles should work. There were a few small tree branches on the trail that were easily moved. My favorite part was between mile 5 and 10. The trail really flowed for a long time. There were other parts like that but not near as long. For a trail that shares with horses, I was expecting the trail to be in bad shape. Only place that I didn't like was the switchbacks near Brazil camp site. The major issue I had with this trail was the spider webs. It seems like a spider was repelling off my visor every 30 seconds. I'm surprised I didn't wreck while I was doing the wack a spider dance while riding. I HATE SPIDERS!!!! Other than that I really enjoyed this trail even with getting smoked.

Recommended Route:
Start at Ozark trailhead and start the lollipop at 1.2 miles by going clockwise. This gives your last 1.2 miles a mostly downhill ride to your vehicle.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Honey Run and Bittersweet near Osage Beach.

Review Date
August 4, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: tsaffvail ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This trail was super fun. I am originally from MO but have been living in CO for 12 years. I've heard stories about the Berryman for years and I finally got to ride it. It's mostly singletrack w/ some rocky sections.

*NOTE: I rode this trail on 7/28/2009 and all of the downed trees have been removed.

Recommended Route:
I rode from the Berryman campground in a clockwise directtion. 3 hrs ride time; 3.5 hrs total.

If I ever ride it again, I would probably just ride it from Ozark Trail entrance on Hwy 8. It would add 1.2 miles each way, but it is nice singletrack and save a little drive time.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
unknown.

Review Date
June 2, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: chrismac ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
5-31-09
Three friends and I rode part of this trail on 5-31-09. We really enjoyed the trail, although we only rode the Brazil Creek to Berryman parking lot portion instead of the whole loop. It was very challenging, but to note, there are a LOT of felled trees on the trail at this point. We had to dismount and climb over approximately 20 times on this 10-mile portion of trail.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Parts of the Ozark Trail

Review Date
May 11, 2009

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: GUnitWildwood ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Weekend Warrior training for some Colorado rides - Rode 5/9/2009 - Two points to understand concerning the Berryman trail for 2009. Trail was hit hard by storms. Countless large trees cover the trail. It will take all of 2009 to clear these trees. Very hard to get any type of cadence going because of the constant climb over/under/around that must be done due to the downed trees. Many parts still have water sitting on and flowing down the trail.

Second point - Ride Castlewood and don't bother with this trail. Ride any dry (or wet) creek in MO and you'll get the experience of this trail. The washed out conditions, the rocks, the expose roots on the trail took all the fun out of the ride. You will average 5-6 mph on this trail because of the long climbs, so plan on making it an all day ride. Only reason to ride this loop is get mentally and physically torn up. If you like fun, fast, and challenging rides, once again, ride Castlewood over the Berryman trail.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Castlewood

Review Date
November 12, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Ripp ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
So, a friend of mine who rides this trail once or twice a year (we live 4 hours away) invited me to go and ride it over the Halloween weekend, I knew from talking to him and the other friends I knew who had ridden it that it was tough, mostly due to the length and the constant up and down.
The trail was tough and then some, but fun too. Not too technical, but not a beginner trail either. The ups get to hurt after a while, but the downs are payback.
I thought the trail was in pretty good riding shape, for an intermediate rider on a FS bike. I loved it (except for the leg cramps) and will be back to do it again. But I doubt I'll ever ride it in better weather, mid 70's and sunny on Halloween!? Awesome.

Recommended Route:
We rode it counterclockwise from Brazil Creek. It worked.