Matson Hill Trail 

On Saturday, June 2nd, 2002 the Matson Hill Trail officially became a reality for the Gateway Off-Road Cyclists mountain bike club. The club has been working behind the scenes for the last 3 years to establish this relationship with the newly formed St. Charles County Parks Department. The trail itself was built in only 4 workdays after the initial design and approval process were complete.

The opening ceremony was held on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the trailhead. In attendance were Joe Ortwerth, St. Charles County Executive, and several County Council members and parks personnel, in addition to numerous GORC members. Some photos were snapped, the ribbon was cut, speeches made, then it was time to ride. Sam Mitchell and Frank Schuman (GORC VP and Trail Designer, respectively) had been working and waiting for 3 years to ride the rugged terrain. 

The 3-mile singletrack loop winds its way around the hilly terrain of St. Charles County. Climbing and descending over 400 feet per lap! This is rugged terrain with several creek crossings, dense old growth forest and twisty singletrack. It is usually dark on the trail even on the sunniest days due to the tall, old growth trees.

The new trail is the first of 3 new parks open to mountain bikers in St. Charles County due to the efforts of GORC and IMBA.

For More information Go to:

Gorc Web Site