This Trail should be an IMBA epic. The Ozark trail provides you with best rolling single track in the state. This section of the trail was just completed in 2006, and can be done as a loop, out & back or even a shuttle ride using the ozark trail association. There are a couple of bail out points, just in case of a break down. Picture a rocky surface trail in Colorado. Now imagine it in Missouri without the Colorado altitude. This trail can be made into a loop using gravel roads to make your way back. If you are going to do the entire loop, you want to carry at least 150 ounces of water, some food. There are plenty of places to get water if you bring tablets. The Middlefork itself is approximately 25 singletrack miles followed by an additional 13 miles of gravel road bringing the total ride length to 38 miles. There are sections of long, steep grinders on the gravel back to the start. To begin your ride starting at DD trail head, take the trail to the right and go across the paved road. Also note that the last junction brings you back to the Middlefork. Turn right onto the singletrack and ride about 3 miles back to the trailhead. The trail is very well marked, but if you are going to do the loop, Do not ride this without a map, you will get lost because bringing the roads back can be very trickey. More information can be found at ozarktrail.com
Great trail that is dry when everything else is pure muck. Fast downs with switchbacks and lots of fast sections in general and of course lots of climbs to earn those fast descents.
| ThankI rode this trail this weekend for the first time. Was surprised at the ratings it was given from others as far as being Black Diamond or advanced. This trail has very little technical spots at all beside a few small stream crossings. When reviewers rate a trail it should not just be on physical ability to ride it but more for technical ability. No trail should get a black diamond when you barely need to roll over a rock in the trail. That being said, this trail is GREAT if you are a roadie looking to pound hills and get some fast flow in. I rode the Council Bluffs lake trail the next day and during that ride I felt like I was cheated out of a day of fun by riding Middle fork trail. I would say if you prefer to "mountain bike" hit Council Bluffs and leave the Middle fork to the roadies.
| ThankThis trail is great! Very refreshing if you are getting burned out on castle wood, chub, lost valley, ect...
| ThankThe downhillls were awesome! Be ready for a workout if you do the full loop! This trail is a must!
A friend and I rode this trail again at the end of October. It is very well laid out and well maintained. The subtle use of grade reversals and moderate elevation changes in the design are impressive. Some switchbacks are tight but even they have been widened slightly since I first rode Middlefork. We rode from the Council Bluff campground to the waterfall and back on a beautiful day, about 25 miles. For a long cross country experience this trail is hard to beat.
| ThankGreat trail for a nice easy ride. Well maintained. Go to www.ozarktrail.com for full description.
| Thankfor full map and discription go to gorctrails.com
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