Ramblin': Missouri Ozarks

Spent three nights in the Ozark hills just outside of Potosi, MO at the Berryman Campground. The plan was to ride the Berryman Trail which was built in the 30's by the CCC on Friday the 21st, and then head south to ride the trail surrounding Council Bluff Lake on Saturday. Sunday's planned ride of a section of the Ozark trail feel through secondary to mechanical issues with my bike (spoke tension issues and what looks to be a loose rear hub on the rear wheel).

The Berryman Trail is a 24 mile long all single track run through the hills and hollows of the Missouri Ozarks. Contrary to what the description says the trail surface is not really technical in nature compared with Pisgah or other areas I've ridden. Sure there are a few places that will test your ability, but none are overly long nor too difficult. The trail is in excellent condition for the most part, but I understand quite a bit of work has gone into the trail bed the past two years. The only bad portions of the trail are found in some of the bottom land areas that stay moist and have been churned into stagnant mud holes by horses. I'm sad to say most of my pictures of the Berryman did not turn out too well due to lighting issues. The best time of the day to ride mountain bikes generally is not the best time of day for pictures.

Trailhead and Campground for the Berryman.

Typical trailbed, dry sandyish soil. The hardest part was the loose over hard surface of the trail (referring to the small loose rocks and hard packed soil) which my tires aren't well suited for. Caused one wreck where my front wheel washed out in a turn. I backed the speed down a couple notches after that.

The Missouri Ozarks around Potosi seem to be composed of mostly Oak and Pines, very little fall color here.

Trail follows the contours of the ridges in many areas reminiscent of the Womble Trail in Arkansas, especially along the eastern portion of the trail.

If you look closely at the left of this image you can see the trail continuing on between the trees. The Berryman wraps in and out of multiple hollow like this when its not climbing up and down the ridgelines.

On Saturday morning I headed about 30 minutes south of Berryman to Council Bluff Lake. Contrary to trail descriptions online this 12 mile trail around the lake had a much rougher and rockier surface than the Berryman, but the rocks tended to be anchored in the ground and much larger. The trail did not climb as much as the Berryman as it remained close to the shoreline for the majority of the ride, but had a more rolling nature. The forest was also more varied here with much more color. All in all this trail reminded me of home.

Missouri rocks.

Short steep descents followed short steep climbs throughout the trail. Only one real long sustained climb on the entire trail, well long and sustained for the area.