Avg Rating:   |
7 trail reviews |
Difficulty:  - Intermediate |
|
| Length: 3 miles | Global Rank: #327 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 24 | Wishlist: 17 |
| 5 trail check-ins |
Climb // Descend +1,000 // -1,000 feet |
| Average Speed: 5.1 mph | Average Time: 1hr 13min |
Directions
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Description
This trail, in the heart of Daniel Boone country, is a 2.75 mile loop of 100% singletrack designed for hike and bike use only. Weaving up and down several times in a large hollow, it is a constant challenge to novice and advanced riders alike. This is some unique terrain, heavily wooded, very dark and shady, with several rock-bottom creek crossings. Due to the steepness of the terrain, the area wasn't logged so it presents an uncommon setting with low volume mid-level growth, and tall old-growth trees forming a high, dark canopy. It almost has the feel of a natural amphitheater. The trail surface is mostly dirt, with several veins of rock, and rocky creek crossings/waterfalls. Stop and look around when you reach the bottom of the valley. The trail should be ridden both clockwise and counter-clockwise; each offers its own pleasures. GORC recently rerouted one of the fall-line climbs which had become unsustainable, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get your climbing in.(pasted from gorctrails.com)
Klondike Park (75%)
Chubb Trail (75%)
Greensfelder Park (50%)
Lost Valley (50%)
To view directions to Matson Hill mountain bike trail, please login. If you don't have an account, sign up for a free account - it only takes a minute.
Description
This trail, in the heart of Daniel Boone country, is a 2.75 mile loop of 100% singletrack designed for hike and bike use only. Weaving up and down several times in a large hollow, it is a constant challenge to novice and advanced riders alike. This is some unique terrain, heavily wooded, very dark and shady, with several rock-bottom creek crossings. Due to the steepness of the terrain, the area wasn't logged so it presents an uncommon setting with low volume mid-level growth, and tall old-growth trees forming a high, dark canopy. It almost has the feel of a natural amphitheater. The trail surface is mostly dirt, with several veins of rock, and rocky creek crossings/waterfalls. Stop and look around when you reach the bottom of the valley. The trail should be ridden both clockwise and counter-clockwise; each offers its own pleasures. GORC recently rerouted one of the fall-line climbs which had become unsustainable, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get your climbing in.(pasted from gorctrails.com)
added by stylo_joe 
on June 18, 2007
on June 18, 2007Trail Reviews [Add a review]
Review: Matson Hill has grown from a short loop to a developing trail system thanks to the efforts of GORC volunteers. A fun way to ride is to start at the Katy Trail head about a mile down a steep gravel road and climb to the Matson Trailhead. Ride Matson either direction or both, including the 2 mile and growing Hays Trail and then return to the Katy Trailhead. Finish your ride in Defiance at one of the eating-drinking establishments.
Similar Trail: Greensfelder Park Trails are very similiar.
Similar Trail: Greensfelder Park Trails are very similiar.
Review: Using the directions it is a great warmup/cool down to bike from the Katy Trail parking. That road up the entrance of the trail is a steep gravel climb.
The trail itself is mildly challenging with a few spots less experienced riders might walk.
Very nice trail that is mildly secluded and will not see as much traffic
Similar Trail: Klondie Park
Similar Trail: Klondie Park
Review: This is one of the best trail, love it..
Similar Trail: Lost valley, ofallon MO
Similar Trail: Lost valley, ofallon MO
Review: Great Trial under construction though. Fun and short turn around and do it backwards like a whole new trail.
Review: This was a quick and fun ride. I had ridden Klondike park earlier in the day, and decided to hit this trail on my way back to St. Louis. Not quite as technical, but make sure you ride this going both directions, because the ascents and decent of each direction are unique. The creek crossing come up fast so always be paying close attention. Also, I found it was much easier to drive up the gravel road than to try to bike up it.
Similar Trail: Klondike Park
Similar Trail: Klondike Park
Review: The trail info no longer properly reflects what is currently at this site. GORC expanded the trail several years ago to nearly 3.5 miles. I would insist a clockwise ride as this yields the longest downhill section. Trail is nearly impassable if muddy and takes a loooong time to dry out so avoid for up to 3 days after rain. Not a very technical ride but the first mile is very fast, fairly smooth downhill which turns into singletrack. Woods hug in on you from all sides the entire way as this trail was never used for anything wider than a bike. Nasty ascent at the end approximitely 30 degrees, however this lasts for only about a 1/4 mile. Entire loop is easily done in 45 minutes or less.
EDIT 4/2009.
GORC has added several more miles to this trail expanding it to approximately 6+ miles
* Review edited 4/18/2009
Similar Trail: Lost Valley
* Review edited 4/18/2009
Similar Trail: Lost Valley
Recommendations
Castlewood State Park (100%)Klondike Park (75%)
Chubb Trail (75%)
Greensfelder Park (50%)
Lost Valley (50%)
Tags
matson hillMissouri Outdoor Lists
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Similar Trail: Lost Valley