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7.4 miles of 100% singletrack in the heart of Daniel Boone country.


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Map Key

8.2

Miles

13.2

KM

100%

Singletrack

800' 244 m

High

522' 159 m

Low

789' 240 m

Up

788' 240 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

This ride, in the heart of Daniel Boone country, is 7.4 miles of 100% singletrack designed for hike and bike use only. Weaving up and down several times in a large hollow, it is a constant challenge to novice and advanced riders alike.

Description

The area features some unique terrain, heavily wooded, very dark and shady, with several rock-bottom creek crossings. Due to the steepness of the terrain, the area wasn't logged, so it presents an uncommon setting with low volume mid-level growth, and tall old-growth trees forming a high, dark canopy. It almost has the feel of a natural amphitheater.

This ride links together the park's three trails: Matson Hill Loop, Oxen Mill Trail, and Hayes Trail. The trail surface is mostly dirt, with several veins of rock, and rocky creek crossings/waterfalls. Stop and look around when you reach the bottom of the valley. The ride should be enjoyed both clockwise and counter-clockwise as each offers its own pleasures. You'll be challenged both by the rocky parts and the steep climbs, including the finish which is known as Cardiac Hill.

Recently, new sections have been added to this ride offering a nice downhill you earn by first going uphill. Because the trail is heavily shaded, it can take longer to dry out than other trails in the area. For more information visit the GORC website at gorctrails.com/trails/matso…

Lost Valley Trail is the next closest trail, which can be reached by driving North on highway 94 or by riding along the Katy Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Carl Sechrist with improvements by Kurt Sontheimer and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 26 votes

#758

Overall
  4.3 from 26 votes
5 Star
46%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Missouri

#758

Overall
37 Views Last Month
5,620 Since Jun 23, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
4%
43%
13%
39%
0%

Photos

This can be a challenging trail in places, with large roots, lots of rocks and steep climbs. It can be wet too.
Oct 29, 2016 near Gray Su…, MO
Enjoying the gradual downhill into the bottom of the ravine
Nov 22, 2017 near Gray Su…, MO
Backside of Matson Hill Loop
Nov 22, 2017 near Gray Su…, MO
Nice view from the ridge on Oxen Mill
Nov 22, 2017 near Gray Su…, MO
Matson Hill Trailhead.
Nov 22, 2017 near Gray Su…, MO
Varied terrain of the Oxen Mill Trail.
Nov 22, 2017 near Gray Su…, MO

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Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 2, 2022
Aly H
good trail conditions. mostly dry with only a few holes with some mud. 8mi
Mar 10, 2022
Randy Mace
With D. Rough ride! Flat tire
Oct 1, 2021
Alex Silverman
Aug 17, 2020
Ryan H
7mi
Jul 18, 2020
Nick Demien
First time on the trail and ride it counter clockwise and thoroughly enjoyed it 7.8mi — 1h 45m
Jul 5, 2020
Dane Iwata
Jun 24, 2020
Brandon Luong
7.3mi — 1h 08m
Apr 18, 2020
Aaron Sestrich

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