missouri pass loop cross creek ghost town

Trail has potential to be better but needs some work. Also many historical signs on trail of what towns, saw mills, and train stations that use to exist. Also the trail had vehicle ruts from mile 8.5 to mile 9. There are places only one person can pedal on trail. The trail needs some clearing of grass and limbs. My wife and I saw 9 other bikers, 1 deer, and each saw 1 snake. The first 10.2 miles is through woods which was very peaceful. I rode 3 more miles and all there was to see is the river, railroad tracks, bike trail(which was on the soft side, tough to pedal), and a major road. At 10.2 mile you will come to Clarion River. Hold on to wire or you will go into Toby Creek. About 5.8 miles on trail came to swinging bridge.

Parked in Brockway and rode trail for 13 miles toward Ridgeway. This was fun to ride but not the most exciting rail trail that we have ridden. The southern half has one bench that we noticed. Also, the northern half has frequent benches along the trail. Overall we thought the northern half was in better condition than the southern half. The trail had some vegetation growing in the middle in some sections, but it wasn't a problem. The 2nd day we saw nobody except the maintenance worker. The first day we passed 4 other bikers and a couple joggers near Ridgway. We saw a lot of deer, chipmunks, and a wild turkey. Hopefully these will be flattened and leveled out when the maintenance is completed. The equipment was making deep ruts in the trail. We had to maneuver around these vehicles, which were taking up the whole width of the trail. At approximately mile 10 there was a truck parked on the trail, and a worker with a small backhoe was digging out the ditch along the trail. The railroad trestle in the northern portion is impressive. Walking across the swinging bridge was a fun break. There are many signs along the trail noting 'ghost towns' and former logging and mining sites, but not many ruins can be seen. It is not noticeable until you turn around and go back, which takes more effort and a lower gear. We supposed this is because the Clarion (in the northern portion) flows south, and the Little Toby (in the southern portion) flows north. The trail seems to have a slight downhill slope from Ridgway to Croyland, and also from Brockway to Croyland.

On Wednesday we biked from Brockway to the Croyland trailhead and back, (approx 19 total miles). On Monday we biked from Ridgway to the Croyland trailhead at mile 8.5, near Laurel Run and back.

My husband and I biked this trail the 4th week in July 2018.

Missouri pass loop cross creek ghost town