Review: If you are new to this trail as I was, do not go by your Garmin to find trailhead. It takes you to the dam and there are trails from there, just not the one you're there to ride. I found it eventually and rode CCW to camp area and back to truck to take my wife to the boat ramp trailhead. I finished riding it CCW. It was a great trail with a lot of rocky sections. Although I wouldn't say it is an advanced trail, I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner (you might scare them from riding more).

Review: I rode this trail in 90+ temperature and what felt like 90+ humidity. Took me 2.5 hrs to complete. I was exhausted to say the least. However I think that was partially my fault since I had not eaten enough food for the long ride. No cell service here so let someone know where you are, or better yet take a buddy. There is a water fountain and a outdoor shower at the beach area. Also the lake has a nice campground if your interested. Here is a link to my youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkzm-nJvSSo&list=UUB-u8XNRsC6suYtL2rr98bA&index=1&feature=plcp

Review: Rode this trail a couple of times with a friend on a camping/riding weekend in October. Very fun singletrack experience riding in either direction. Some of the swoops through drainages need a little maintenance. One section had a fallen tree needing removal. It was too big for us to budge. We took a side trip up to Johnson Mountain one of the days. The side trail is steep and rutted but the view of the lake from the bluff edge near the top was fabulous.

Similar Trail: Middlefork and Trace Creek sections of the Ozark Trail

Review: Rode this trail by myself today (Memorial Day). Overall it was a nice ride. I am a beginner to intermediate and this was a little more difficult than I am use to but managed to complete in 2:24. A lot of Rocky roads to climb but a good mix of small climbs and decents. Not sure if it was worth the 2 hour drive from St. Louis but still glad I rode it.... Oh and there was alot of major trees down due to recent stoms that you have to navigate around...

Similar Trail: Bittersweet.

Review: Nice trail here; There is a little of everything here, and for the most part: well kept. Baby heads abound, so be careful about pinch flats etc... all and all, nice experience. Not too difficult.

Review: Rode this trail in early august with the temperature around 80 degrees. Having done the Berryman the day before this flowing singletrack around one of Missouri's bigger lakes was a sweet surprise. I would recommend a clockwise ride although either direction is fun, only a few challenging climbs near the beginnning if taken clockwise. The rest of this trail closely follows the shore of the lake making for some of the fastest paced, perfectly flowing singletrack in the midwest. May take up to 3 hours for beginners but a seasoned rider can expect to complete in 1.5 hours or less (yes all 12 miles). Many scenic views of the lake so expect hikers although limited to no equestrian use (thank god). I did not expect much from this no name trail located in southeast missouri but it has since become my favorite singletrack in the state. Excellently maintained and highly recommended. Be sure to cool off at the lakeshore which features a soft sand beach, roped off swimming area about the size of a 50 meter x 12 lane rec pool and full beach facilities. *note there is a small $2-$5 charge to enter the park for the day. Map: http://gorctrails.com/trails/mcouncilbluff.asp * Review edited 9/29/2008

* Review edited 9/30/2010

Similar Trail: Berryman, Matson Hill