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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 9 mi (14.5 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +320/ -314 ft
Total: 82 riders
 

Mountain Biking Matson Hill

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#4 of 169 mountain bike trails in Missouri
#377 in the world

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)

First added by stylo_joe on Jun 18, 2007. Last updated Mar 6, 2023. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: no
  • Lift service: no
  • Night riding: no
  • Pump track: no
  • Restrooms: yes
  • Fat bike grooming: yes
  • E-bikes allowed: yes
  • Fee required: no
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From the Highway 40/94 interchange: Take Highway 94 South approximately 13 miles. Go past Defiance to Matson, turn right and follow Matson Hill Rd. until it ends at Duke Rd. Turn right onto Duke Rd. and go Ω mile. The trailhead is on the left side of Duke Rd.. It is well signed from Hwy 94 to the trailhead. You can also park down at the Katy Trail parking lot in Defiance, and ride up a very steep Matson Hill Rd. to add 2 miles each way to your ride.
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Rjwise (on Sep 9, 2023)
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Wet (on Mar 1, 2020)
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Matson Hill videos

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Matson Hill and Castlewood
 
leaf blown matson hill
 
mountain biking matson hill park part…
 
mountain biking matson hill park part…
 
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