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Perry State Park

Nearby Town: Perry, Kansas
Ride Type: Many Trails To Choose
Trail Type: Single Track 100%
Single Track 100%
Distance: 15.00 miles (24.14 KM)
Duration: not specified.
Elevation Gain: 30 Feet (9 Meters)
Climbing: Rolling Terrain
Skill Level: Advanced Skills
User Density: not specified.



Trail Description:
This set of trails is carved through classic Kansas hardwood forest, and their young age shows in that there has not been as much erosion. They are cut through the bluffs and wooded hillsides surrounding the Perry Lake, offering opportunities for viewing wildlife, colorful vegetation, and fabulous lake vistas. Also, these were designed specifically as mountain bike trails so they are more fun. And of course, you can find a challenging ride here; the trails are coded: Blue-marked trails are a little easier than the routes marked in white, although this is not always true. For the ultimate Perry experience, take the Skyline entrance to the right of the Self Pay Station, take turnoffs on the Great White and Mad Mile trails, and then take a right at the Logan's Run entrance. Bottom that out at Grasshopper Point (extreme North end of system), finishing on the Copperhead trail. Hook up with the Twin Peaks, take back south to Blackfoot, and then back to Skyline again, where you'll take a LEFT, running the Skyline loop clockwise so that you come out at your car right where you entered at. If you aren't tired after this, then you can call yourself "Barney Badass" and mean it. These trails are the best you'll find in Kansas. Just make sure you have a helmet and you strap it on when you head out here. Bring water too.

How to get there:
This trail system is on the west side of Perry lake just north of the state park and very close to the west (DJ's Rock Creek) marina. The town of Perry lies on U.S. Hwy 24. Travel a couple miles west of Perry on U.S. 24 to Kansas Hwy 237 North and look for: 1.) A brown and white sign for Perry State Park and 2.) a semi trailer that has been used as a sign pointing you in the direction of "DJ's Rock Creek Marina." Turn right (north) and head up K237 for 5.4 miles beyond the State Park. Travel straight through park towards DJ's Rock Creek Marina. Cross the bridge and get ready to turn right. You will immediately see a carved wooden sign on the east side of the road that points down Kimberly Drive towards the trails (just opposite the sign for DJ's Marina pointing West). Go straight east on this road just under half a mile to just before the 90 degree turn to the north where you will then see the parking lot and trail head. From Ozawkie, take the first paved road on the west side of town that runs south from Kansas Hwy 97. This is K237, though it is not clearly marked (in this dang state, most things aren't), which will take you right to the turn-off for the trails if you stay on the pavement. Watch for the signs for "State Park" and "Perry Lake Bicycle and Hiking Trails."

Additional Notes:
For some reason, these are not often ridden. Maybe it is because they were just recently built.


Posted by: bicycle boy on 8/12/2011
Being born and raised in KS then living in Durango for 17 years this trail system is awesome!! I rode it on 8/10/11 and no one was around. It is a very good trail for anyone who wants to ride a bike on singletrack. Not too hard but noy easy either. I rode the outside loop and it took awhile, over 2 hours. The weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. Bring plenty of water and a spare tube in case you need it. No one is around to help you out which is a nice surprise if you want to get away from it all. I will be back as much as possible and will volunteer to help out on this really cool trail system. Thanks and keep on riding!!


Posted by: aeonz on 12/2/2007
awsome trail had me drooling for more was back a week later and i was on a bmx great work guys thax!


Posted by: Jimbo on 9/8/2007
Awesome trails! Excellent map/sign and trail maps, with accurate descriptions of skill levels needed for the respective routes. I'm mostly a road biker (mostly because no trails are in my area of KS) but found the easier trails quite challenging. Can't wait to return to continue exploring the trails. My thanks to all the volunteers who keep up the trail! See ya again soon!


Posted by: Brent on 6/3/2007
Freeride? No. Fun ride. Who was to believe that Kansas could offer such a wonderful trail system? Being from Colorado’s Front Range I’ve been spoiled with a plethora of killer trails. I will be the first to tell you though, that the trail system in Perry Lake State Park rock’s! Literally. This network of trails has a little of it all, rollers, tight turns, creek crossings, lake front views. I was surprised and very ecstatic with the ride. We linked a few of the trails (Skyline, Wild West, and Great White along with a few others) and ended up with about 10+ miles of good times. If you’re traveling through Kansas, it would be recommended to make the quick stop and enjoy these marvelous trails that are offered to our Mt biking community. A big thanks to Lyle Rledy for his dedication in the development and upkeep of these trails.


Posted by: Wilson on 1/1/2007
Spent 5 days during Thanksgiving at my inlaws that live near by. I rode the trail 3 times. This trail is awsome. If you ride all the loops the trail is over 20 miles long. All high quality single track with plenty of rocks and short climbs to keep your attention and lungs pounding. The screaming fast wooded areas are a blast. I didn't know Kansas had such great trails. They are just as fun and challenging, without the long climbs as the local trails I ride in Arizona.


Posted by: Randy on 4/25/2005
I rode this trail in April O5 with the trail coordinator Lyle Ridey, cool guy. The trail is just over 20 miles if you ride it all. This trail is awsome. Tough but fast. Much better then the trails I ride in Tenn.


Posted by: ldc on 8/17/2003
This was an excellent trail system, even for a beginner working his way to intermediate. Maps were available at the trailhead and all trails were clearly marked. They have even added a 1/4 trail at the beginning for children to learn on. A good way to break them in to riding.


Posted by: Steven L. Andrews on 8/16/2002
Best trails in Kansas... worth the drive. Something for all!


Posted by: Kirk on 8/31/2001
Rode it today. Fun and achallenge everytime.


Posted by: Carl Voss on 3/26/2001
This trail system is awesome! It was worth the trip from the great white north (MN). I couldn't believe that I was the only mountain biker out there - what a waste! Even an advanced beginner should be able to enjoy these trails. The views of the lake are spectacular. If you live within a few hours, this is worth the drive!!!




 



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