Quail Ridge

Link: Quail Ridge - St. Charles County Parks Website

Difficulty Rating: Novice to Intermediate

Type: Loop

Description:
This series of looped trails winds in and out of several hardwood hollows on the banks of Peruque Creek in western St. Charles County. Expect easy to moderate technical terrain with modest elevation gains.  This park offers an excellent opportunity to introduce new riders to singletrack, yet allows enough technical riding to keep more experienced riders interested.  There are several bail-out options in case novice riders find themselves in too deep.

On the east side of the park, near the main trailhead, the terrain is somewhat rocky and wildlife sightings are common due to encroaching subdivisions on all sides.  These trails encompass mostly short, moderately steep hill sections which can usually be ridden after a rain.

The western portion of the park is a mix of gently rolling hills and flat sections.  The flat sections next to the creek can be ridden fairly easily by the novice rider, but should be avoided when muddy. 

There are also paved trails that run throughout the park which offer additional opportunites to introduce someone to riding, or for riding after a rain when the natural surface trails aren't an option.

Directions:
This park is located on the south-west corner of the Interstate 70 and Hwy 40 intersection in Western St.Charles County.  From Hwy 40 (just south of the Hwy 70/40 junction) turn west on South Callahan Road and make an immediate right onto the outer road.  Follow the outer road for approximately 1/2 mile and make a left into the park.  Once in the park, make an immediate left and the trailhead is about 1/4 mile on the left at the end of a parking lot.

Maps:

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