Review Date
February 24, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: afungusamongus ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I live in fargo, and this is the best trail within an hour drive for me. the only trail ive ridden that is any better is lebannon hills in eagan mn. most of the trail is intermediate as far as skill level goes, but you cant let your guard down for too long or you will find yourself in trouble. more hills than anywhere within several hours of driving. dont ride it too soon after the spring melt or you will find yourself riding through about a foot of water for 50 yards at the 3 mile mark. lots of wildlife to see , but wear bright clothes during hunting season.

Recommended Route:
the race course: outside lap first left at the pine tree by the parking area for the inside lap. if you are looking to kill your legs cross the road after that and find the 5 miles of steep up and downs to the campground.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
McElroy park is a good warmup or cooldown with tech stuff but without huge hills. paul bunyan state forest by Akley/Park rapids is awesome if you have some guts and bring a compass/gps. Anything in the cities, especially Lebannon hills or Afton Alps

Review Date
July 20, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: Coach529 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I am a local here so I ride this course at least once a week. We have a dedicated groups of guys that keep this trail mowed and in tip top shape.

The course has a bit of everything, from fast flowing mowed trail accross the prairie to lung scorching climbs and rocky descents.

We have group rides every Wednesday night usually around 6:30 PM. Come out and join us. Shoot me an email for more info. Mpkfam@msn.com

Recommended Route:
Start at the trailhead and follow the signs!!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
McElroy Park

Review Date
June 24, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: ROAD WARRIOR ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Trails are an excelent example of what can can be done with a few hundred acres and only 100 ft of elev. change. Trails in the open areas are grassy but kept mowed, trails under the trees are hardpack, but slow to dry. The 5 mile trail on the north side is mainly a cruiser with a few suprises thrown in. Overall a great way to spend a few hrs. Nothing very tec. but sprinting up the short hills will have you feeling it the next day.

Recommended Route:
8 mile is one way marked at trail head . 5 miler is out and back, or if in a hurry can use dirt rd. as return.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
not from area but there are trails at a park in town

Review Date
August 9, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: jensen_53 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I believe the trail is in its third year as of 2005. We ride the trail at Pipesteam about once a week and get as much challenge as we want. The 8 mile course is made up of an outside loop (3 miles) and the inside (the remaining 5). The outside loop is a challenge to younger riders and those at an entry to moderate level. The inside loop is longer and about three times more challenging. It has many hill climbs, technical descents and assents, enough negotiating around rocks and close relations with trees to demand your full concentration. For me, a 51 year old rider of moderate skill, completing a full 8 mile lap without stoping or walking a little is something I've not been able to do yet. I've ridden all 100 miles of the Maah Daah Hey and feel this is more challenging per mile. The trail is right next to the Pipesteam river and is mostly within trees. It's very common to spot deer during your ride. The nice thing about the layout of the trail is it offers you three choices, 1) the outside loop, 2) the inside loop & 3) outside and inside. There is also a new 5 mile trail just across the road that is also very nice.
Much thanks to Russ S. for creating and maintaining the trails.
This trail is used for the annual mid-August Gear Grinder Race. Search the web for details and stop by if you can.

Recommended Route:
Outside loop for a moderate to easy ride. Inside loop for a short 5 mile challenge. Both loops for a good workout. There are maps in the mail box at the trail head. The start is next to the road to your right as you look out from the parking area.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The 100 miles of the Maah Daah Hey is also a great ride. Many miles of varried terrain. Bring lots of water and have at least three riders in case you need to search for help.

North Dakota has many good trails and these two are among the best!

Review Date
May 18, 2005

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Kent_ ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
There are two routes on this trial, the outer 3 mile loop, or the entire course, which is 8 miles long.

The vast majority of the trial is wide, grass-covered singletrack, and there are some sections of short steep climbing and short descents. 98% of the trail is non-techincal singletrack cross-country riding.

The grass cover throughout the ride makes it pretty slow and it's hard to get any speed going most of the time. It's also sort of frustrating plodding through flat singeltrack in the middle chain ring at 5 miles an hour.

There's some pretty scenery and wildlife viewing, though, and this ride would be a nice break from I-94 if you're coming or going to Medora.

Recommended Route:
Park at the Pipestem Dam office, cross the road, and just follow the signs. Right before the end of the 3 mile outer loop (back where you started), turn off to the left and continue for the whole 8 mile route.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
McElroy Park - very limited, but fun.