Reviewed by: Jason , from St Louis, MO

Summary:
The trailhead was near the Lake Wappapello park (HWY 172, 5 miles E of 67). This is a 15 mile loop that apparently has been affected by storms and flooding. A group of us started on the trail going clockwise. The first mile of the trail was decent enough, with some climbs and small limbs to jump. However, once we got closer to the lake, there was lots of trash, eroded land and large, downed trees about every 50 yards. To top it off, there were lots of spider webs and bugs that constantly hovered near your eyes. At points you couldn't even tell if you were still on a trail. We circled back after about 1.5-2miles and were going to try the loop from the other side, but it was getting late and we were exhausted from carrying our bike over so many trees. The trail could be very nice if it ever go cleaned up...as it is now, it's almost like riding down a street and catching all of the red lights in a town filled with stoplights. Unless you like hopping off the bike a lot, I'd either skip this trail for now, or at least go counter-clockwise on the loop.

Recommended Route:
Not the way we went.

Reviewed by: Bruce , from Puxico

Summary:
I have ridden on both the trails mentioned. I also missed the T on the Ozark trail Greenville loop, but I loved the trail as did my dog. Beware of the entrails of deer left on the trail during deer season. I loved the jumps on the back section.
As to the Wapapello state park trail...it is awesome. Eventually, I will get to the entire back section of the fifteen miles. Of my three or four attempts, I have been side tracked by loss of light, loss of direction, and exhaustion of partners.

Recommended Route:
Depends on the trails

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Most of the Ozark trail offers rolling and excrutiating hills and easier pedaling. Also University Forest offers some nice riding. I recommend any of the above.

Reviewed by: John , from Chesterfield

Summary:
We rode the trail counterclockwise (I recommend this direction) under dry conditions. This trail is clean of underbrush, but has some rocky spots and downed limbs that need to be portaged. Overall, a very good ride. Take bug spray for ticks. The first half is technical and strenuous with several steep rocky hills that we had to portage. Don't expect switchbacks on this trail! The second half (western side of the loop) is a blast with less portaging and more speed, but still enough good climbs for a good workout. Be carefull not to miss the "T" in the trail about 2 miles into the loop. This "T" is not shown on the map. The trail appears to go straight, but after about a half mile it abruptly ends at a corn field. We doubled back and found the "T" in the trail. The "T" is on a steep rocky downhill section, which makes it easy to miss.

Recommended Route:
This review (and the next review) is actually for the Wappapello section of the Ozark trail, which is a different trail than the Wappapello Lake State Park 15 mile trail. The section of the trail we took is a 6 mile loop. To get to the trailhead, take highway 67 south of Greenville to highway F. Turn left on F and go about 1 mile. Parking is on the right, trailhead on the left.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Another good trail in the area: Go 5-10 miles further south on 67 and turn left on 172. Continue for about a mile to parking on the left side. This is a loop trail bisected by 172. The section on the north side of 172 is technical and strenuous with steep hills. The section south of 172 is good for beginners and intermediate MTBs with gentler slopes and more speed. For a strenous ride, take the entire loop. If you want an easier ride, take the southern section and bailout by taking highway 172 back to the parking area.

Reviewed by: Steven J , from Columbia, MO

Summary:
From Route F north is a 6.2 mile loop that includes part of the Wappapello Lake Section of the Ozark Trail. Trail ridden late November '00 after substantial rains and in a light drizzle. Excellent ride! Ride time was an easy two hours. Trail is very similar to Berryman in geology, terrain, vegetation, and forest growth. Notable difference is that this trail does not switchback up the hills, just hard grinds or eye watering downhills. This trail is also maintained by crew on four wheel ATV so there is no "single track" but a narrow double track and blow downs that would block the ATV are chainsawed away. I didn't remember the Berryman having as many water crossings either. I found at least a half dozen and discovered one over my axels. This loop of the trail is well worth exploring if you are in the area. It is too short to be rated very high or to make a dedicated trip for but if you have a shuttle car the rest of the trail may be your perfect ride. Check out the brochure 'The Ozark Trail, Wappapello Lake Section' published by The Ozark Trail Council. And don't be discouraged by bad reviews below. I would have missed a great ride if I had.

Recommended Route:
US Route 67 five miles south of Greenville then east on Missouri Route F two miles to nice trailhead parking lot on south. Trail is on north.

Reviewed by: Jeff White , from St.Louis

Summary:
I found this trail to be nearly impossible to negotiate due to a hiddeous cross-slope combined with loose soil and lots of round rocks and boulders jutting out. After my third flat in two miles (due to thorns in thick undergrowth), and upon seeing no fewer than 8 ticks marching up my leg, I opted to go back to the car.