Two Rivers Trail Descriptions

Two Rivers Trail Rating Descriptions

Rating 1: Intended for those with little or no experience and a stock vehicle.
These trails feature mild obstacles. In optimum weather conditions the trail may not require the continual use of 4 wheel-drive. Chances of vehicular damage are extremely low.

Rating 2: Intended for drivers with little or no experience driving a modified vehicle, or experienced drivers with a stock vehicle.
These trails are moderately demanding. Under dry conditions stock vehicles with stock tires will work. However, those with larger tires and more aggressive tread will do better. You will encounter a wide variety of challenges, including mud holes, creeks, hill climbs, and tight maneuvers through trees. Chances for vehicular damage are relatively low.

Rating 3: Intended for drivers with experience and a modified vehicle.
These trails are more demanding on both vehicle and driver. You will encounter obstacles such as rocks, deep ruts, off camber grades, and difficult hill climbs. You will find vehicle modifications such as increased ground clearance, lower gears, lockers, 33 " + tires, and winch of great benefit here. Full cage rollover protection is recommended. The potential for body and/or mechanical damage can be a bit greater here depending upon conditions and the driver's capability.

Rating 4: Intended for expert drivers with a highly modified vehicle.
Do not even try in a stock vehicle or if you are inexperienced. These trails demand the ultimate in traction and reliability from your vehicle. Ruts and mud holes will be deeper. Rocks will be bigger and slicker. You will encounter greater off-camber, steps, ledges, and steeper climbs and descents. Maximum ground clearance, lower gears, front and rear lockers, 33 " + tires with aggressive treads, winch, tools, and spare parts will be in order for these trails. Full cage rollover protection is highly recommended. Be prepared for vehicular damage (body, drive train, tires, etc.) On trail repairs may be likely.


Rating 5: This category is reserved for the most difficult obstacles/trails and is intended for hardcore drivers with a highly modified vehicle only!
One should be able to traverse a 4 rated trail with no problem or worries before even thinking of taking on a 5 obstacle. Obstacles rated 5 may be optional on some trails. Body damage, breakage, and rollovers are possible. Full cage rollover protection is required.

Ridge Rambler (Rated 1)
	This trail wanders through hardwood forests, around ponds, across creeks, and through pastures where an abundance of wildflowers prevail. Redheaded woodpeckers are often seen flitting among the trees and even deer, turkey, or maybe a newborn calf can be seen. Property owners Hamer and Jenny enjoy showing the sights to all comers. On a clear day from the hilltops the view seems to go on forever.

Hopewell Heritage (Rated 1+)

The Mississippi River bottom ground is the beginning of this trail that quickly climbs to higher ground. As you stand on top of the bluff you will share a view with the spirits of the Hopewell Native Americans who once roamed these hills centuries ago. You'll see a panoramic patchwork of cropland, woods, bluffs, and (5 miles distant) the town of Louisiana, on the Missouri side of the river. Most of the trail ride is deeper in a woods forested with natural-growth native species and with terrain that will be exciting and a bit challenging, yet within the capabilities of stock, unmodified vehicles. We'll crawl up, down, over and around the ravines and ridges of Western Pike County while negotiating our path through the forest.

New Salem (Rated 2)

If Abe had been around when Jeeps were, I'm sure he would have preferred this New Salem over that other New Salem. On this trail you won't just meander through the hills--you'll go over them and back down, and if it's not too wet, you'll go back up again. "Buck's Hill" is sure to hold a surprise or two. The "Gun Tree" is still there as is the "Locust Grove" where you'll experience more twists and turns. And finally don't miss "The Point of No Return" or you might not come back..

Black Oak Run (Rated 2+)
	This popular trail is located around the county's historical Black Oak School and Church. You will travel through hardwood forests, descending into scenic valleys. There is a good possibility you will encounter deer or turkey along the trail so have your cameras ready. Your heart will pound from endless hills and creeks that present many obstacles for you to conquer on this fun-filled adventure.

Murphy's Law (Rated 2+)

Looking for a trail which will let you see every type of terrain in Pike County? This is the trail for you. It starts with a rolling pasture with numerous creek crossings, hill climbs, and the infamous "Carburetor Alley." It ends in the rugged hardwood forest following a winding creek and climbing and descending "Two Winch Hill," "Rock Hill," and "Aussie Hill." "The Waterfall" will test your water crossing and rock climbing ability. If you want a bigger challenge and don't mind getting muddy, there is always the optional "Mud Hole." In this scenic area, deer and wild turkey are often spotted and beautiful wild flowers cover the landscape. Murphy's Law will offer you many Kodak Moments and memories of what wheeling is all about.

Dutch Creek Challenge (Rated 2+)

This challenging trail undertakes the mighty Dutch Creek with its rolling hills and obstacles. You'll appreciate springs and shocks as you travel approximately two miles along and though the creek. Dutch Creek offers many challenges for both vehicle and driver. If it has rained, better pack a snorkel, too! You will see an occasional waterfall and will want to be prepared to capture photographs of wildlife along this trail.

Pokey's Run (Rated 3)

You've entered the land of Pokey's Run, some of the highest and most scenic land around. You will test your skills on Toboggan Hill, Rooster Hill, or Piece-of-Cake Hill. There are rocks to crawl over, creeks to drive through, and some of the most costly trees you can run into. Most of the hard spots do have by-passes. If it rains or is muddy, plan on spending the day trying to get up or down two or three hills. Little Dakota is there for a try, as is the Waterfall and Humbling Hole, plus an off camber trail along a ridge - and thanks to the trees, you can't see the bottom. Expect a lot of fun, a good trail, and a fun time. Be prepared to laugh, have a great day, and regret the drive back to town. You'll want the day to go on and on and on . . . .

Smacker (Rated 3)

On Smacker there are three separate sections. The first section starts easy enough then quickly turns into a very tight trail. There are quick elevation changes and lots of tight turns. The second section is the drive between sections one and three. It sounds easy enough, but can be very challenging, especially when dry. Driving in drought conditions in ninety degree heat down a gravel road about 46 miles long behind 20 other vehicles is " interesting. " Section three starts with some real fun drops and climbs in and out of a creek and the woods. The trail begins with some real tight crawls winding through some extreme articulation challenges. You really have to pick your line through this stuff. The trail then opens up and has some real fun challenges, like going up rocky slopes followed by nose-standing down hills. The " Grand Finale " is a huge up-hill where everyone has a chance to make-it or break-it.

County Line (Rated 3+)

County Line is appropriately named since it's on the border of Pike and Brown Counties. The beginning is deceiving with a couple of easy creek crossings, but then the fun begins! You descend into a difficult creek crossing and then you seem to go straight up - and this is just in the first 15 minutes. There are numerous sand crossings, swamp crossings and more than enough off-camber for everyone. Even in the dry season this is a wet trail so come prepared to get dirty - - real dirty!

Mongo (Rated 3+)

Whatever Mongo wants - Mongo gets - and Mongo wants you! Do you desire a trail that is somewhat aggressive, but with little or no body damage? You will need Mongo tires, Mongo suspension and if you have faith in your tow hooks, you won't need front or rear lockers, but at least one is recommended for this trail. 32 " tires may keep your diffs from dragging. You don't need fuel injection if your carburetor will work on 30 degree inclines or 20 plus degree side hills. If this trail is wet, expect the pucker factor to increase greatly.

Myer's Mayhem   (rated 4)

This trail has it all! At the very start, conquer Robert's Revenge. Small tires and low clearance won't keep you off, however it will slow you down as you find another way onto the trail. Then meander the short distance to a deceiving little spot that will prove tricky and test your wits when wet. Turn and launch yourself skyward as you climb one of Mayhem's many steep hills; then a daring drop into Rattler Ravine that offers plenty of off camber, frame twisting, and when wet, sliding. If Tip Back Falls and Pinball Machine don't get the best of you, The Pit will. Taking the wrong lines could result in exciting rides. For the brave hearted and locker equipped, you may want the challenge of dancing with the Devil at " Hell's Gate " . (A locker is absolutely required!) If you are looking for a little bit of everything, this is the trail for you. But watch out, Myer's may create mayhem on you!!! A working winch is required and lockers are strongly recommended.

Atlas (Rated 4+)

There's plenty of steep action, up and down, on the Atlas trail, along with a bit of Pike County history.  From the "living room" you can see across the Mississippi River to the Missouri side some eight miles away. But don't let the calm view fool you, there is plenty of tough trail ahead. The first climb up a rock ledge is just a warm up as you head for the drop loop and Sled Hill. If you make the Spinny Hole and the long steep climb that follows, then Lunchbox Hill might give you a thrill as your left front tire goes skyward. Deer Run and Bogger Hill add to the excitement and Rocky Road is always a challenge, up or down. Be prepared for Twist and Shout as the notches always claim a victim or two. You will use the skinny pedal often, especially if the rain has prepared the hills for some mud action. Atlas Trail -- chosen by few, enjoyed by those who dare.