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Rooty, hard-pack fun with several short, punchy climbs followed by fall-line goodness!


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Map Key

6.9

Miles

11.0

KM

100%

Singletrack

1,064' 324 m

High

973' 297 m

Low

414' 126 m

Up

415' 127 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Holiday lights are on display after Thanksgiving through Jan. 1st each year. Access may be restricted at that time.

Overview

This trail is a combination of some very old and established foot trails with some newer, more sustainable sections. Most of it is older and has the roots to prove it. While there isn't a lot of rock, the roots do provide some intermediate challenge as do the climbs.

Need to Know

Watch for disrespectful people's broken glass in a few spots.

Description

About a dozen bridges add to the fun. There are several "bowl-like" features with some short but steeply graded climbs out. There are 6 climbs of about 100 feet of gain over the 6.35 miles. And, of course, what goes up...

The trail starts with nice flowing downhill singletrack that exits into a field. Cross it going slightly uphill and reenter the trees on the other side. After a little switchback, it reemerges in the field. Just U-turn to the right, back into the trees. It's all singletrack from here. There are several path and service access crossings. If the MTB trail isn't obvious, it's usually marked with a brown wooden sign with an up arrow or a carsonite post. If the signs have been stolen, and you find yourself in doubt, go straight across. New signs have been added that significantly help navigate the trail.

Note the tree gap drop. It's not so big that it can't be rolled by a noobie, but you'll be leaning left, possibly landing on roots, and setting up for a quick right turn immediately after. Really fun!

There is a nice view overlooking the creek before climbing Halloween Hill (the city used to have a haunted park thing on this part of the trail at Halloween). The top is where you cross the only railed bridge. The fall-line descent is great! Near the bottom, after crossing a bridge, GO STRAIGHT, over the edge. Then turn right at the T. Just past 2.2 miles is a 4-way. Go straight up the short hill. A wooden arrow sign is slightly hidden up the hill away from vandals' view. The trail rejoins the other quickly. Turn right.

The most scenic place is a small waterfall near 2.3 miles. It's just briefly visible from the trail, but you'll hear it long before you see it. It's just a few feet off the trail and a great place to prepare for the next climb to the halfway mark.

Immediately after the halfway point, named Top of the World, is a connector trail to the right that will allow you to shorten your ride and avoid some substantial climbs. Some of the best trail is to come so I don't recommend the shortcut.

Another long descent brings you to the Red Bridge section and the Bridges section. All structures are narrow to keep ATV's off and have gaps to keep horses off. So, use caution.

After the Bridges one begins another climb to the Cedars section. Some super rolly and airable trail lies on the other side. Some mild climbing then reaches the far west side of the trail. There is an "Exit to Sunbridge" that takes you on a brief road ride to Sunbridge Hills Conservation Area.

Once you reach "Powerline" and blast downhill, watch for "The Chute," one of the most fun sections of trail. If you miss the sign, you'll know when you're there!

Nevermind the gunshots you may hear starting your next big climb. It's the SJPD range close by.

There are some fun "bowl-like" features on the last part of the trail with some steep climbs. Carrying some speed into them helps.

Whatever you do, bring your power legs. You'll need them!

Contacts

Land Manager: City of St. Joseph, MO

Shared By:

Lee Clark

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 18 votes

#2

in St. Joseph

#1934

Overall
  3.9 from 18 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
17%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in St. Joseph

#17

in Missouri

#1,934

Overall
22 Views Last Month
7,624 Since May 26, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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0%
83%
8%
8%
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Photos

Dicey bridge. Several others washed out. This trail system would be 4 out of 5 stars but has unfortunately fallen into disrepair. ;-(
Jun 16, 2020 near Saint J…, MO
Top of the World (highest point of the trail, comes after a long climb)
Mar 29, 2015 near Saint J…, MO
Beginning of Bridges Trail (features several narrow bridge crossings over a small creek)
Mar 29, 2015 near Saint J…, MO
Beginning of Red Bridge Trail (features a handful of bridges, one of which happens to be painted red)
Mar 29, 2015 near Saint J…, MO
Start of the Pine Forest (at this point, the surrounding foliage consists almost entirely of pine trees. Beware of sap when balancing on the trees)
Mar 29, 2015 near Saint J…, MO
Start of Power Line Trail (which runs parallel to an overhead power line)
Mar 29, 2015 near Saint J…, MO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 74 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 19, 2023
Travis Thompson
May 22, 2022
Todd Ward
Jungle riding fun, needs better signage. Steep climbs and downs, waterfall is nice. Rode blind so cautious, Chute is fun, classic trail 4.6mi — 1h 11m
Jun 10, 2020
Russ Gowan
Great round of trail. Something for everyone. Ramps, jops, bowls, creek crossings, flow and roots. Some overgrowth and downed trees. Watch out f… 5.6mi
Oct 15, 2019
Mark Simonson
I'm thinking about riding Krug Park this weekend, but there hasn't been any comments for a few years. Has anybody been there recently? Condition?
Aug 24, 2019
jen kammerer
Aug 28, 2018
Casey Nolan
Jun 13, 2018
Brittany McVey
Jun 10, 2018
Tonya Amen
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