Trail Description:
Council Bluff Lake Trail is one of the most beautiful MTB trails in Missouri! It is also a very challenging trail that is not for the faint of heart.
How to get there:
From St. Louis you take Hwy 21 all the way to Potosi or I-55 south to Hwy 67, Hwy 110, etc. Once in Potosi, take Hwy 8 west for 1/4 mile to Hwy P south. Hwy P turns into Hwy DD as it crosses Hwy C. Continue south on Hwy DD for approximately 8 miles. The Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area is on the left.
Additional Notes:
Two campgrounds and picnic areas are available for trail users.
| Posted by: kabtakakhir on 11/23/2012 |
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I am exploring this topic for a report I have to write. You have good content and I would like to know if you have any other posts about this?
The Springs Resort Spa
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| Posted by: Jim on 9/10/2010 |
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Near perfect shape as of 9/6/10. All
deadfall removed and race ready. 2
races scheduled.
http://stlbiking.com/events/2010/council
-bluffs
and the biggest race of the year...
Burning at the Bluff 7 (6/12 Hour)
http://stlbiking.com/events/2010/mesa-
cycles-burnin-bluff
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| Posted by: Doug on 5/3/2010 |
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I rode the trail yesterday (5/1/10) and it is in pretty good shape. Maybe 5 downed trees in the whole loop. Did it in just under 2 hours and I consider myself an intermediate rider with pretty good endurance. Trail could use a little maintenance regarding grow-over in some places. I highly recommend this trail.
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| Posted by: Sam on 5/1/2010 |
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You should know that an "inland" hurricane hit this area in May of '09 and decimated huge sections of timerland. You can see the same destruction at Johnson Shut-ins. Hopefully downed timber will be cleared soon, if not already and it will back to a more usable biking trail. I have not ridden the trail but wanted to advise potential user that the last two posts do not reflect the norm.
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| Posted by: John on 7/17/2009 |
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Sean they do rate this trail as advanced, so what you described was right on, and its a blast. I grew up close to this area and rode the trail many times. I think this trail is a must ride if you live within a couple hours, also the sections of the Ozark trail nearby are really good.
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| Posted by: Sean on 6/20/2009 |
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This was my third trail ride. The first two were both along the upland flatwoods section of the Honey Run trail, at Lake of the Ozarks. I wasn't sure what to expect, at Council Bluff Lake, but judging by the reviews here I had high hopes. Having got back from it, tonight, I won't be repeating that trail, myself.
Some thoughts that may be useful to the rider considering this trail:
* Probably due to the high winds in recent months, there have been a lot of trees that have fallen across the trail. At this time, you will not be able to complete the trail without getting off your bike
* The trail mostly traces a path along the shores of Council Bluff Lake. In laying the trail out like they did, it appears that they decided to not use switchbacks. Expect a lot of straight shots up steep hills faced after active or inactive watercourses, such that would found to be be bedded with combinations of loose rock, big rocks, and roots.
* Expect a sharp turn, at an unexpected times, on
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| Posted by: wyssard on 12/30/2008 |
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good all around trail with multiple characteristics about Missouri. Complete numerous laps for total satisfaction for the scenic ride home. the record to break is under 1 hour per lap...do it
wyssard
wildwood
usa
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| Posted by: Mike on 10/20/2006 |
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I've ridden the trail four times. After the first time, all I could remember was the rocky section. On the second ride, my thighs cramped after 10 miles, and I had to walk out from the beach rather than riding the last two miles. I was in better condition for the next two rides. When I finished the fourth ride, I thought, "That wasn't so bad! I actually had fun." I will be going for the fifth time soon.
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| Posted by: Big Jim on 8/11/2005 |
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This trail everything the others have said and more!
The scenery is some of the best I've seen on a
Missouri trail. The trail is a loop around the lake
which was formed by daming the upper reaches of
Big River. I did have trouble finding the trail so
here's how to do it for other first timers-head to
the beach, following the signs. When you get to the
parking lot pay your $3 fee and ride toward the
beach. To the right of the parking lot there is a
road with a sign saying no motor vehicles past this
point. The trail heads off this downhill if you are
wanting to ride counterclockwise. I rode it the other
way which meant taking a paved then gravel road
for a short distance. If you get to the gate you
missed the trail, go back and look for it halfway up
the hill, the sign was on the ground 8/10/05. You
cross the streambed, go up a hill and enter
incredible scenery, tempting to look at the lake bud
deadly as the rocks are touch, beat my hardtail t
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| Posted by: TAR on 9/2/2004 |
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I have riden the trail a couple times now. I really enjoy the trail. I am not a technical rider, so I walked through the many of the advanced areas. But hey, I still had a lot of fun. Yes, the trail is rocky and depending on which direction you ride, there are a few steep hills. It's worth the drive to ride. Plus there is the benifit of a beutiful,clear water lake that you can take advantage of when you are through riding.
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