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Fancy Creek Mountain Bike Trail
Manhattan, Kansas
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
3 trail reviews |
| Status: |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 5 miles | Global Rank: #611 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 11 | Wishlist: 2 |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +437/-579 ft |
Directions:
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Description: One review on another site says this is "...definitely the best (trail) west of Perry Lake and all the way to Colorado...". It is honest-to-goodness technical singletrack that one would not generally expect to find in Kansas. As a Colorado native and resident I was reminded of home on several portions of this trail; switchbacks, loose rocky descents, quick abrupt climbs, rock gardens, ledges, and multiple water crossings. The trail offers something for everyone from Beginner to Advanced.
Recommend taking the "north" trailhead from the parking lot (eg: heading counterclockwise along the loop). One will jog through a dense and twisty cedar forest which eventually gives way to lush green "valleys" and water crossings in the lower lying areas. Expect some mud, rock gardens, and tall ledges. At about 4 miles you will climb a loose rocky section that takes you up to the surrounding plateau with great views of Tuttle Reservoir to the east. Descend back down through some more forest and come out at the other end of the parking lot. Along the trail you'll see markers indicating distance. Though rare, depending on trail maintenance, the lower areas may be covered by high grass and growth making it difficult to see the trail in spots. At roughly midpoint the trail branches, choose left to stay on the loop. The trail also crosses the narrow road leading to/from the Fancy Creek Campground in two spots. Watch for cars and drivers not used to seeing bikers. Also, might be wise to check for ticks after the ride based on personal experience...
Description: One review on another site says this is "...definitely the best (trail) west of Perry Lake and all the way to Colorado...". It is honest-to-goodness technical singletrack that one would not generally expect to find in Kansas. As a Colorado native and resident I was reminded of home on several portions of this trail; switchbacks, loose rocky descents, quick abrupt climbs, rock gardens, ledges, and multiple water crossings. The trail offers something for everyone from Beginner to Advanced.
Recommend taking the "north" trailhead from the parking lot (eg: heading counterclockwise along the loop). One will jog through a dense and twisty cedar forest which eventually gives way to lush green "valleys" and water crossings in the lower lying areas. Expect some mud, rock gardens, and tall ledges. At about 4 miles you will climb a loose rocky section that takes you up to the surrounding plateau with great views of Tuttle Reservoir to the east. Descend back down through some more forest and come out at the other end of the parking lot. Along the trail you'll see markers indicating distance. Though rare, depending on trail maintenance, the lower areas may be covered by high grass and growth making it difficult to see the trail in spots. At roughly midpoint the trail branches, choose left to stay on the loop. The trail also crosses the narrow road leading to/from the Fancy Creek Campground in two spots. Watch for cars and drivers not used to seeing bikers. Also, might be wise to check for ticks after the ride based on personal experience...
added on June 16, 2009 by 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by mtphs on September 5, 2011
Went to Manhattan for a football game, we brought the bikes just for the heck of it. I wont lie, I was blown away by the quality of this trail. I was expecting a joke and this one is moderately technical. I ride the Colorado Trail between BV and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs nearly daily after work and was kind of joking on the way to the trail head....this has to be one of the best trails in midwest. Only downfall is tons of large spiders and pretty short.
reviewed by markgowan on May 26, 2010
This is a great trail! I live in Colorado, and it was nice doing this trail because the climbs (yes there are climbs) were less, were shorter, but still got you huffing! Scenery was great; layout was great; there was enough technical to keep it interesting. I recommend doing the trail in both directions for very different experiences. Issues: chiggers and ticks, and the trail is short.
reviewed by rockie08 on March 9, 2010
im no pro but i this trail put me on the map for riding every where i go, too short to be better than colorado but i would probaly say just as technical. best trail in kansas period.
