Ride Summary:
Some of the finest singletrack in the Midwest! Challenging and tough but very scenic and do-able.
Trail Description:
This is some of the best singletrack in North America. It's definitely 24 miles of Missouri's finest! It was noted by Bicycling Magazine and called "the best singletrack East of the Rockies and West of the Appalachians." There are some long climbs but you're rewarded with long downhills. The scenery is awesome, especially in the fall when colors explode before your eyes. Some of the trail is very rocky, suspension is a must or your forearms will be dust! This trail throws you a lot and there's never a dull moment. This is everything you could want and more.
Start at the Berryman Campground and go clockwise. About 2/3 of the way into the trail is Brazil Creek Campground and a prime place to break. Be ready for some wicked good fun!
How to get there:
From St. Louis take 44 West to Cuba and then 19 to Steelville. Then take the exit off of Hwy 8 which says "Berryman Trail, 1 mile." Take the Y to the left and there will be a sign for a parking lot. This is Berryman Campground. The trailhead at Berryman is on the opposite side of the road from the parking lot.
Additional Notes:
Potsi Ranger District 314.438.5427. There are facilities at the campground.
| Posted by: Tim on 10/3/2009 |
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You certainly feel like you've accomplished something when you finish this ride. I will say what many others have said in that the trail is showing its age. Much of the ascents are broken up stone and the descents are extremely bumpy with the occasional root ledge you have to jump off of to clear. Must haves for the trip, topo & trail map, compass (don't just rely on a gps), a buddy, lots of energy bars, more water than you think you'll need, tubes and bike tools.
I rated the trail a four because it is not groomed for mtb like a Chubb or Declue trail is.
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| Posted by: MissionAir on 5/3/2009 |
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My son and I rode this trail on 4/25/2009 also. He's 16 and I'm 46. This trail is a lot of fun but it is also very rocky and full of roots going up and down, and it will wear you out. I feel like the horse crap and other damage they cause was minimal. Like some others have said, pack plenty of water, food, tubes and most importantly a map. It is easy to get lost without a map. Have Fun!
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| Posted by: da hoosh on 4/28/2009 |
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we rode the trail on 4-25-09. trail is in good shape,only three trees across the trail. some spots are rough due to horses. 80 degrees,200 oz of water (needed more)one GREAT trail overall
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| Posted by: Jefftherobot on 4/9/2009 |
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I am going to be visiting STL from Los Angeles on
April 16th thru the 23rd. Anyone want to ride this with
me? email me at kevintherobot [at] gmail [dot] com
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| Posted by: HORSE LVRS SUK on 2/7/2008 |
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Well ... this trail could have been awesome if I wasnt riding through horse SH!T for 25 miles ... I am not kidding folks it was straigt up sad.
If you want to see what type of devastation some lazy ass can cause sitting on their 900 lb horse while it craps all over the place and they dont clean it up then ride the Berryman.
It would be nice if humans from the general public were allowed to crap all over horse owners property at will ... that is essentially what they do when they treat private land like this.
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| Posted by: Manne on 11/14/2007 |
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I will try this out for myself.
Regards: http://www.tourismzone.com/
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| Posted by: jeremy on 9/4/2006 |
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jared, i got what I believe was about 6 miles into the trail when I came across a single camp site with trails going on off in four different directions. which one do I take and are there anymore like that. i gotta make it to the end and I don't have much time left in the big state of MO
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| Posted by: Jared on 6/19/2006 |
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This is an awesome 26 mile loop trail (when the horse folk aren't hogging it up and tearing it to pieces). You really need a map though, or you WILL get lost. There are lots of short-cuts and old fire-roads criss-crossing the trail that can confuse you if you don't pay attention. The Ozark trail also intersects this trail. For a detailed map and more trail information go to:
http://www.gorctrails.com/trails/mberryman.asp
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| Posted by: Jeremy Swindle on 6/1/2006 |
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I would have rated this trail excellent except for the fact I got lost for a really long time and had to get a ride back with some drunk guy. Its supposed to be a loop. Not so much. I hear I'm not the only one to get lost just so you know. Mostriders only go out so far and then turn around. Good luck. p.s. Bad area to get lost
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| Posted by: Kim on 12/3/2005 |
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I had a great ride on Monday November 28. Temps dropped from 54 to 42 with lots of wind on the ridges. Started at Brazil creek and went clockwise. Trail was very wet from a big storm the night before. All of the leaves are off the trees and they are covering lots of roots, rocks and holes along the trail. It was still a great ride. I love the single track that rolls through the woods and along the sides of the hills like a roller coaster. Prepare for this ride by climbing all of the steep hills in your area.
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