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Great singletrack in an unlikely spot in Kansas.


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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.9

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,483' 757 m

High

2,455' 748 m

Low

137' 42 m

Up

144' 44 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Features -none-

Family Friendly Not a difficult trail, children would have a great time here. Might be a little long for some kids, they need to be 10-12 to enjoy the distance.

This trail is only maintained between October and March. Poison ivy is thick in this area and only a handful of people maintain the trail, so they opt to ride gravel in the summer. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Overview

Tucked away next to a man-made lake six miles from Dodge City is a great singletrack trail that the locals are very proud of. The trail winds around through the woods this lake provides life to; this is truly an oasis in western Kansas.

Need to Know

Don't ride this in the summer, it is not maintained then. Check the Ford County Lake Trails Facebook community for current info.

Description

This trail winds around the woods that only the lake provides life to. This area is almost desert in the warm months and brings harsh cold winds in the winter. This is why the locals have chosen the trailhead spot. The trailhead is an unlikely spot with regards to the lake amenities. The reason for it's location is it provides wind block on the cold days, as opposed to the NW-most corner of the lake which provides restrooms, fishing and camping opportunities.

As you start the ride, the first two miles wind around in the trees, but mostly gives you an opportunity to warm up before getting into the trees. Around mile three, you start riding through the old growth cottonwoods and surrounding trees that provide plenty of protection from the wind to make a cold day seem warm. The singletrack in this area is tight and twisty, just the way they like it. You'll definitely get to practice your flat-turn cornering skills here.

Once you cross the second bridge, you'll enter the area they call Billy's Playground, which is almost one mile of trail in a seven acre plot. This area utilizes many six-foot climbs and descents that will keep your heart pumping as you try to keep up with their fastest riders.

The trail used to continue on the east side of the lake, but as of 1-17-2020, three miles of east-side trails have been abandoned. A portion of the seven miles they have are ridden twice to create a ten-mile trail for their *every* Sunday at 2pm ride.

The soil is extremely organic and holds moisture for some time, but didn't rut. The locals don't seem to mind a little mud and surprisingly we weren't damaging the trail as it was only a little wet.

History & Background

This trail was built in about 1997 after a local rider asked permission to start building trail at the lake. No one was riding it then, but he had a vision. The group has been building trail ever since; at one point developing 10 miles of trail around both sides of the lake.

After years of fighting poison ivy, ticks and snakes in the summer, they have decided to make this a winter-only trail. 23 years since their start, their core group of less than ten individuals are still using the trails every week, all winter long. Be sure to check out their Facebook community, Ford County Lake Trails, and let them know when you're coming out. They would love to meet you and show you around!

Contacts

Shared By:

Andy Cramb

Trail Ratings

  3.2 from 5 votes

#3839

Overall
  3.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
20%
Recommended Route Rankings

#16

in Kansas

#3,839

Overall
4 Views Last Month
387 Since Jan 19, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
25%
25%
25%
25%
0%

Photos

One of two log rolls in this area. Very solid, lots of large, heavy logs that were provided by downed trees in a bad ice storm.
Jan 21, 2020 near Dodge City, KS
Golden Belt Blanket Series race day, everyone getting started in the field loops.
Jan 21, 2020 near Dodge City, KS
Billy's Playground has many small drops like this you can roll pretty easy, but might be intimidating to new riders.
Jan 21, 2020 near Dodge City, KS
Billy's Playground has many small drops like this you can roll pretty easy, but might be intimidating to new riders.
Jan 21, 2020 near Dodge City, KS
Max Headroom!!
Jan 21, 2020 near Dodge City, KS
These boys were having a blast on the trail!
Jan 21, 2020 near Dodge City, KS

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Jul 9, 2022
Private User
Nov 28, 2021
Private User
Feb 5, 2021
Alan Miller
Oct 17, 2020
Private User
Jun 8, 2020
Joe Z
Fun ride outside of Dodge City. Trail can be hard to to stay with- generally stay to the left and you'll be fine. First part was generally rolling…
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