Explore the best rated trails in Big Lake, MO, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and Urban Trail (St. Joseph Trail System) . With more than 7 trails covering 108 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
If you take it do it from Peru to Brownsville. I did it from Neb City all the way to Brownsville and the first part was not maintained at all and then a boring 5 miles thru a farm. In Peru they have a nice bathroon if it was open. I get real mad knowing these trail town get money to maintain this stuff yet allot do nothing especially in Nebraska. Once again no trash cans, bathrooms and honestly except Brownsville no real towns to speak of and it was a long ride when you have to do it there and back. I think Peru to Brownsville if fixed up and maintained could host some cool biking events and add some running events in it. Its got some nice views.
Went from Peru to Brownville. Definitely more utilized than Brownville to end.
Shenandoah to Malvern. We rode in significant wind (35 mph gusts). We could feel it in the openings and braced for it, but protected by the trees otherwise. Lots of twigs down and one tree down. Had to be mindful of what you were riding over. Surface otherwise was really nice. We were the only riders on the trail in April.
I rode trail from most farthest southern point to Brownville. The trail is not there. Bridge you cross is sketchy. Hopeful that Brownville to Peru is better.
Camped in our motorhome at Boehner Park, campground in Malvern. Only 100 yards from the campground to the trail. Day number one we rode north from Malverne to Silver city. 16 miles round-trip. Day number two, we rode Malverne to Shenandoah. 48 miles round-trip. Majority of the sections we rode were tree covered. Great for the shade, but the trail was soft and rotted, as it had rained two days earlier.
I read past reviews, and due to negative comments, I chose to ride the trail with a mountain bike. Most (85%) of the trail was in good (crushed limestone) condition, even following a rain the previous day. The only part of the trail that I didn’t ride (turned my bike around) was the portion about 8 miles south of the Nebraska City trailhead (toward Peru). The grass and weeds were so much covering the trail, except for two narrow strips, that the weeds whacked my legs and made the ride uncomfortable. The weeds were waist high. The weeds in this portion of the trail weren’t mowed on the sides either. I heard from another rider that this only lasted for maybe one mile, but since I wasn’t sure at that time I turned around and re-joined the trail (by vehicle) at Peru. After reading past reviews over the years it appears that folks are working very hard to improve this trail with great success. It’s a lovely trail. Uncrowded (I met three other people in two days) and really pleasant terrain. I do think wider tires are more suited (gravel or mtb tires). Thanks to whoever maintains this trail … and please consider mowing or spraying the weeds through the farm field area that was un-mowed. If farmers are mowing the sides and trail in other areas … THANK YOU!
This trail is a great example of what a group of volunteers can do. If you go to use this trail please support the trail by buying a pass or making a donation. The trail is not supported or maintained by a government entity or tax dollars.
Most of the trail is in very good condition. You may find some of the southern portions not as well traveled but still easily passable.
The portion between Peru and Brownville has recently been reopened since the 2019 floods. There are portions of extremely loose, fine gravel. Not suitable for thin tires.
Hopefully a few rains and continued traffic will pack the trail.
There are soft spots on the portion between NE City and Peru, as well, but the material is squishier. Seems to be ground up asphalt.
At the end of the day, gorgeous trail that's on the mend from a "500-year" flood.
10’ new concrete from downtown Runs along river. I ran out of time before I ran out of trail Was supposed to pick back up down road. We’ll done on the part I rode
from brownsville to peru is now open. they have put down a layer of crushed rock on several miles-from brownville north for about 2 miles- and it is very soft. will be until it rains to help pack it. probably not great for skinny tires
We enjoyed riding about 11-12 miles on this trail. Great trail, beautiful fall scenery!
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