Review Date
January 25, 2012

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: Kathie Brennan ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I can't provide a review as a rider but as a OTA volunteer I saw first hand the over use of the trail from all users but when we got together with the Forest Service and our own volunteers who ride the trail...we came up with some AWESOME re-routes thorugh some pretty good terrain. As we worked on laying out the new section, I "learned" how to get the feel of riding a bike through the woods, up and over, going past some cool features of rock bluffs, through pine groves and along water falls. Please continue to let the Forest Service, the OTA know how the trail is doing through the OTA web site FORUM.

Exciting news is that the OTA Board has voted to accept the east side of the Berryman Trail into the Ozark Trail system so plans are being formulated to review the conditions of the trail and what needs may exist to bring this section of the Berryman up to standards. But know the OT is over 350+ miles and the OTA is committed to it's mission of maintaining the OT and it can't be done without volunteers.

Recommended Route:
Start at the Berryman Campground off of Hwy. 8. The campground offers a quiet setting with campsites and picnic facilites along with a pit toilet.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Council Bluff lake trail loop and is now under consideration to be added to the Ozark Trail system. The Middle Fork section of the OT as an out and back ride. When you cross Stothers Creek, take a moment to look at the turnpike installed this fall because of ground conditions.

Review Date
November 10, 2011

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: CFM ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I have been riding this trail since 1990. The last several years it was really showing its age. Time and high usage with little maintenance had taken a toll on this IMBA epic. Enter the Ozark Trail Association and now we are seeing some improvements on the west side of the loop that are just stunning to ride. I hear that even the nasty switchbacks at Brazil Creek are being rerouted. This is no small task. Keep up the fine work folks! I hope you continue on into the eastern loop with more projects. The switchbacks east of the Berryman camp could use a little of your TLC. At least know that your hard work is not going unnoticed. You are quietly bringing the Berryman back to the status of "Missouri's finest singletrack."

Recommended Route:
Start at either Brazil Creek or Berryman camps. I usually ride clockwise but either way should be fine.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail (OT); Trace Creek Section of the OT; Middlefork Section of the OT; Council Bluff Lake Trail

Review Date
April 4, 2011

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: JonRinehart ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Wow. The first 4/5 of this trail is the most fun I have ever had on a mountain bike. The last 5th of this trail was a living hell. I ran out of water with somewhere around 7 miles left. I became extremely dehydrated and was in extreme pain the last 5 miles. My legs cramped up, and I got a terrible head ache. I weighed myself when I got home and I had lost 6 pounds (assuming all water weight). I wish I would have read these reviews before riding. It seemed never ending. I would recommend to bring at least 4 liters of water (what I brought). I tend to drink more than most people when riding so next time I plan to bring on least 6. I've gone on many rides this long before but never one continuous loop. The trail was in great shape. It was everything a good mountain bike trail should be. It was pretty technical and rocky for Missouri. It is very important to have some basic mechanic skills for this ride. It seemed like this trail was cursed,we encountered a broken skewer, lose derailleur hanger/ dropout bolt, 2 flats, 1 crash, bent brake lever, and a shifter failure. We had bad luck but be prepared for the worst. There were many deep creek crossings and some parts of the trail seem like they will almost always be wet so make sure to give your bike a good cleaning afterward. It's not some super long epic ride but it seems like it when you get dehydrated and completely run out of strength.

Bottom line: An amazing trail. Be prepared for anything to go wrong. Bring more than enough water and tubes. BRING TOO MUCH WATER.

Recommended Route:
Start at the Brazil creek trailhead and start with the trail closest to the campgrounds.

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.