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Rhett's Run
14 reviews
4.64 of 5
This trail was designed by the guys who did the '96 Olympic trail near Atlanta and it really packs alot into a fairly small area. It was financed by area developer Raul Walters as a memorial for his son Rhett. Several local riders volunteered alot of time to help with its construction.
The trail's mostly tight, twisty singletrack through forested hills. There are a few connectors including a short, very steep, loop near the sled hill called "Forget-Me-Not." Even though the total trail length is short, you're guaranteed to get a workout if you ride everything in both directions. Also, I'd suggest exploring the old "nature trail" - your chances of getting lost are next to none.
This trail was designed as a challenging course for good riders and the off-camber surface, rocks, close trees and steep hills provide a great test-piece for improving one's bike-handling. Average riders may find it frustrating - but they can always sharpen up at Rock Bridge and come back later.
(Removing "annoying" rocks and trees is lame, it speeds-up erosion and it waters down the challenge for better riders. Don't Do It!)
Take the Stadium Road exit off of I-70 on the West end of Columbia. Go North on Stadium Rd. (about 100 yds) to its intersection with Business Loop 70. Turn right on Bus. Loop and go about 1/2 mile to the entrance to Columbia's Cosmo Park. Study the map posted just inside the park on the left side of the road. Follow the park road past all of the soccer fields and park at the very back of the park at the Harris Shelter. A memorial granite boulder inscribed with the trail name is placed at the trailhead, about 200 ft. away from the shelter at the edge of the woods (East of the softball diamond).
Summary: Awesome trail! Love the terrain. A nice mix of roots and rocks. Some parts are more rocky than others and the climbs were fairly easy. Wish i would have had someone with me who knew the trail as it was quite confusing, with lots of intersections. I think i was going against the normal flow most of the time, judging by the directions the signs were facing. One thing that ruined a lot of the fun was the spider webs. Lots of them. I was, however, there during the week and didn't see anyone else on the trails. I bet on the weekends it is fine.
I was in the area for just a week visiting the family and went to this trail four times. Found a different way to go each time.
Other recommended trails in the same area: I hear Rockbridge State Park is the other popular trail in the area but it was closed all week.
Summary: This is a great system of trails and a great alternative to Rockbridge. There is a variety of terrain considering depending on which section you are in. A lot of fun tight trails, good climbs, and a few difficult technical sections. I always park by the skate park/roller hockey ring and go down the gravel trail - just jump in from there.
Recommended Route: Really hard to describe one but they all have something to offer and all eventually kick you out to the main gravel trail. Be sure to check out both sides of the gravel trail though - in about 2 hours you will have seen basically everything.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Rockbridge, 1000 Hills in Kirksville, MO
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Summary: Just got back from riding this trail for the first time. I couldn't find a map and its not marked all that clearly. Rhetts Return is fun but other than that I just kind of went wherever was the smoothest transition and as downhill as possible. It was a little damp which makes things even more difficult given all the rocks and roots which become very slick. Also, all the smaller rocks (fist size) and roots caused me a little balance trouble if you hit them to the side and your tires slide- and I don't think its possible to not hit some on the side. I prefer more fast and flowing, but this was a lot of fun. Definitely a lot of uphill which always seem longer than the downhills, but it was a good mix. I still prefer straight downhill as found in colorado- as im very lazy- but I definitely recommend this trail. Some ledges, some large rocks/boulders, a couple creek crossings- a good challenge for an intermediate rider I'd say.
Recommended Route: I have no clue. Wherever you want- it all comes back together somehow. Its a small area with a lotttttt of side trails.
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Summary: I've ridden R.B. State Park all summer, so it's what I can best compare this trail to. R.B., as technical as small parts of it can be, is nothing like this at all. Rhett's Run is short, definitely single track--as opposed to R.B.'s double track--and full of surprises. There are so many routes through the short trail system, that you can just let your bike chose where it wants to go and try to hold on. Most corners will be followed immediately by steep, rocky uphill sections, so be prepared to shift. The downhills are short and fast with large chunks of rock to bounce over.
I've found large volume (2.3") tires with soft knobs and low PSI work best for grapping the loose rocks uphill and soaking up hits from large rocks going back down.
Take a good amount of water and be prepared for a full workout compacted into a small ride and a short amount of time. This trail will definitely wear you out and is not one for beginners who haven't yet acquired the skills to climb steep hills with loose rock.
Recommended Route: Wherever your bike tells you to go. You'll find yourself back on the main Bear Creek trail often after a short run, so just find any spot to re-enter Rhett's, and see where it takes you.
Other recommended trails in the same area: R.B. State Park, Three Creeks.
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Summary: Everyone previous to this review has cover that the trail is a great one, and I agree. I am going to do this trail about once a week on the way home from work. This trail does have some technical spots and some technical climbs. There are also some rolling hilly spots through grass. The first time you ride the trail, I would go the way the arrows on the orange markers tell you and then maybe ride it backwards. The trail is used for racing from time to time so it is pretty well marked out. It does take you out on the gravel trail for brief sections, but there will be an orange maker showing you where to start back in. There are also white painted dots on the trees to mark the trail.
I would definitely rate this trail better than any at Rock Bridge. Rock Bridge gives me a bad taste because you have to call the stupid hot line just to see if the trails are open to bikes. Once, they were closed, so I decided just to hike them, and they were dry as a bone. They claim to close it for erosion, but who knows. I have biked at Castlewood when it was so muddy and rainy that I could barely keep the bike vertical. Many of you probably know how muddy the part down by the river gets. Anyway, ride this trail often and ride Rock Bridge when you are in a good mood and the trails are open.
Recommended Route: The park does have two entrances, one off of I-70 access road and one off Creasy Springs, although not labeled. So, if you go all the way through the park and end up at Creasy Springs, turn around and go back to the round-a-bout as you enter the park, and go north or right and follow that road all the way back.
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