There is a surprisingly wide range of trails in this park for a rather small area. It can be divided roughly into 2 sections: the western side with the Powerline, Strip Mine, Donjo's, and Donkey Kong trails; and the eastern side with the Hogsback trail. Both of these sections can be ridden as a complete loop by making use of some of the paved and gravel bike paths in the park. (pasted from gorctrails.com)
The trails on the western side are for the most part, rockier and more technical, featuring the flowy, curvy Powerline trail, and the advanced, uber-technical Strip Mine and Donkey Kong trails. Nearly everyone will end up putting a foot down, or even walking some sections of these trails. They are not recommended for beginners, but will prove a challenging and rewarding ride for more skilled bike handlers. The newest addition to this side of the park is Donjo's trail, which makes use of some major rock-work and steep cuts into the side slope to allow a more gradual elevation change in reaching the Strip Mine trail from the Powerline.
Klondike - Donkey Kong Trail
On the eastern side, the Hogsback will take you on a thrilling ride beginning on top of the bluffs, and sending you rapidly down a screaming descent with super-tight switchbacks, a 40 ft. sandstone ledge, exposed slopes and even some short but tough climbing near the bottom.
Because of the sandy, rocky soil on the western side, these trails generally drain well, and can be ridden fairly soon after rain. The Hogsback, however, is on a north-facing slope and the lower areas see little sun and are very slow to dry. It can be very muddy and slippery, so it's recommended to avoid it immediately after rain.
Amazing views
| ThankThis trail is one of my favorites. Being that I live ten minutes away, I get to ride it as often as I like. It is very technical but also has fun flows to it. There are a few large rock walls to ride down, jumps, teeters, balance beams, and more. There are beautiful views of the river sepersting St. Charles county from Franklin county. There is a lake you can ride or walk to, cabins and camp sites as well. They have a park ranger that keeps everything safe, and a crew that thoroughly works hard to keep everything groomed. I would recommend this park to any person and or family!
| ThankThe description and recent reviews explain the trails in this park very well. I personally had a lot of fun riding here. The technical trails on the west side (Powerline, Donjo's, etc.) were challenging with their rocky, tight and twisty nature. The Hogsback on the east end can be either a long, interesting, challenging ascent or descent, depending on which way you ride it. These trails have some must see unique features, including man made structures for added challenge. Hats off to the trail builders who have put in a ton of work here. I can only think of two minor criticisms stemming from my experience. First, there is a limited amount of trail available. I ended up with only about five miles after connecting the trails into a big loop. Second, as per my personal preference, I wasn't too fond of the wide open, steep double track into and out of the Donkey Kong segment. For me it was a bit of a let down after attacking the challenging rocky sections. But these trails are well worth visiting. You can access the park easily from Highway 94 or as an interesting side trip off of the KATY trail.
| ThankThis is the most technical trail in the St. Louis area. There are narrow trails with sheer drops to the side, high drops and lots of technical features. There is a rip tide skinny and teeter toter man made features. It is a fun park to ride and a great place for intermediate and advanced riders to work on their skill set and have some fun on the only black diamond trials in the area. Go getcha some!
| ThankHUGE variety of trails for a small place.
| ThankPark your car and spend some time ridding around the lake or the Lewis and Clark trail for easy rides. These can also meet up with the Katy Trail.
The side of the park with a lone trail (near lewis and clark) has some moderate climbs and pretty nice single track down hills. Only a couple miles of a loop (using street) and fun both ways.
The other section Powerline, Donkey Kong etc is way more challenging.
There are some built in bike training areas that are fun.
Donkey Kong has one hell of a drop (about 4-5 feet) that can be avoided and then goes right to a very steep rocky section that lands in sand.
Overall very fun and compact course with a large amount of variety.
Can be enjoyed by beginners and has some challenge for advanced riders. Overall one of the best mixes of rides I have come across in Missouri
HUGE variety of trails for a small place.
| ThankPark your car and spend some time ridding around the lake or the Lewis and Clark trail for easy rides. These can also meet up with the Katy Trail.
The side of the park with a lone trail (near lewis and clark) has some moderate climbs and pretty nice single track down hills. Only a couple miles of a loop (using street) and fun both ways.
The other section Powerline, Donkey Kong etc is way more challenging.
There are some built in bike training areas that are fun.
Donkey Kong has one hell of a drop (about 4-5 feet) that can be avoided and then goes right to a very steep rocky section that lands in sand.
Overall very fun and compact course with a large amount of variety.
Can be enjoyed by beginners and has some challenge for advanced riders. Overall one of the best mixes of rides I have come across in Missouri
Rode this trail on June 30. I wanted to ride the hogsback trail first but to my dismay it was closed. So I schlepped over to the other side of the park and rode a loop of the powerline, donjo's, strip mine, and donkey kong trail. The power line trail is fun, donjo's has a challening little section, but I rode strip mine and donkey kong once and once only; I don't do five foot drops and I abhor rock gardens.
I was about to call it quits when I noticed that the hogsback trail was now opened. I powered my way up the steep asphalt path to the top of the bluffs and made a left onto hogsback. This trail was an absolute joy. From the top its fast, smooth and full of flow (the switchbacks are awesome). From the bottom it gives a nice little workout. I rode this trail up and down multiple times.
Anyhow, I'm from Virginia, was passing thru, and was pleasantly surprised to find this little park so close to St. Louis.
| ThankVery short and extremely technical trails with paved access to both. Hogsbreath features a modified portion with a 10 ft jump. Donjo trail is a burst of very very rocky switchback style climb followed by sandy downhill. Recommended for getting your feet wet with advanced and trial bike techniques.
*Edit fall 2009: Much more has been added to this park including teeter totters and some man made structures and jumps. Take a map if you go and be sure to find everything as this park now hosts technical and bike park features. If you crave technical and difficult riding this place is great
| Thankhttp://www.gorctrails.com/images/maps/klondike.pdf* Review edited 9/29/2008
* Review edited 9/20/2009
I have only ridden the Hogsbreath Trail and it was muddy when I rode. I found the switchbacks to very difficult and when this trail is wet it is nearly impossible. I saw two dears and a black snake. The park itself is great and I will be back to try the other trails in the park, that I was unable to locate during my first visit. The trail I rode is short and best for intermediate to advanced technical riders.
| Thank