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Wehrspann Wetland XC Loop
1 reviews
3 of 5
Wehrpsann Wetlands is a 3 mile non-technical doubletrack XC loop that runs around the perimeter of a catchment basin for Wehrpsann Lake (just to the north.) Since the trail is a wetland area, what you can expect on this trail is flat tall prairie type of terrain, with some trees along the water. But for the most part, you are going to be riding along a ribbon that cuts its way through tall grass prairie and wildflowers. As I said before, there is absolutely nothing technical about this trail, other than maybe an occasional rut or two. This small trail is ideal if you just want a relaxing scenic ride, but if you are looking for an adrenaline rush, this place will be a snoozer.
I believe this trail is maintained by a local high school for use as a XC Track course, but I have never seen them out here running. I have never seen another bike out here either. But it is legal, I got verification on that from the Missouri-Papio NRD Manager.
While this trail is fairly short, you can either do laps here, or easily link this ride up with the Chalco Hills XC Trail (not the concrete bikepath- though that's an option too) just across the highway. If you link both trails together, you are looking at approximately 10 miles of riding.
You can obtain a pretty good map of the Wehrspann/Chalco Hills Recreation Area here. Note: This is a direct link to a .pdf download.
From I80, Exit at US HWY 370 (Exit 439). Turn West at 370. About 1/2 mile after you have exited I80 you will see a parking lot adjacent to a dam site and wetland areas on the left side of the road. Turn left and pull into this parking lot.From the parking lot, ride east and cross the concrete dam. The trail will open up into natural doubletrack. You hit the XC loop after about 1/4 mile. You can either go right, or left. Both will end up right back at this point, so it doesn't really matter which way you go. I like riding the trail clockwise, so I go left.
Summary: Wehrpsann Lake is not by any means a hardcore mountain biking area. It's flat (maybe 20 total feet of elevation gain) and non-technical, unless your tire happens to find the infrequent rut. It's also pretty short (~3 miles) so you need to ride a few laps to get a good ride in.
If you are interested in viewing wildlife however, these trails are great. There is a thriving population of waterfowl to be seen here, so if you like riding alongside herons, ducks, and geese, you will dig this place.
It's also just a nice area for a relaxing, non-aggressive ride. If you live fairly close to the area, it's worthwhile, but if you have to drive more than say 30 minutes to get here, well, in that case, I might not recommend it. Unless you are just looking to explore more trails. In short, don't expect too much here.
I enjoy the trail. It's a nice recreational ride for newer rides, and for more experiences riders, it serves as a good change of pace from places like Platte River State Park, Lewis and Clark, Swanson, etc.
But the real beauty of this trail is that you can link it up with the XC trail at Chalco Hills Recreation Area just across Highway 370. That's when this trail starts to become pretty cool!
Please keep in mind, that I rate most trails pretty well. I am not too picky. I don't mark a trail down just because it is not an "intense" experience.
Recommended Route: Pretty much like the trail description says. Clockwise loop. After you have gotten your fill of the wetlands, ride across 370 for some rolling hill action at Chalco Hills!
Other recommended trails in the same area: Chalco Hills XC Trails, Schramm State Park, Platte State Park, Swanson Park (all within 20 minutes)
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