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: 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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| Posted by: Savazeto on 8/21/2004 |
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Nice scenic trail but you must keep your eyes on the path , very rocky. Many many roller coaster type hills that are fun. No hard climb really to speak of. I would suggest you be a little prepared -tubes,snacks, water- not real tough but can seem like it at times. Like I said before very rocky, requires a bit more concentration on the trail. Hard to take in the scenic views while on the move.
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| Posted by: steve on 10/25/2000 |
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this trail is single track fun! quick up hills and down , twisting and turning. occasional glimpses of the lake but you'll want to keep your eyes on the trail. gets very rocky in several sections so pick your line carefully. nothing too technical but the challenge is in staying on the bike through the entire ride. the campground and the beach areas have water. I completed this loop in aprox 2.5 hrs and was ready to go again after lunch in the opposite direction.
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| Posted by: Just another biker on 8/18/2000 |
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All I know is that when my dad came back from this trail he had bruises blood and well..just about everything. He said, " it was tough"....I can't wait to try it!
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