Wolf Creek trail is a wonderful asset

To the Editor:

One of the new and truly wonderful assets we have in our area is the Wolf Creek Bicycle Trail. If you are not a bicyclist, please don't "tune me out", as this is a perfect trail for ANY outdoor/exercise enthusiast. The trail is approximately 2 miles northwest of Poplar Bluff. It is located between Highway PP and Highway 67 North on both sides of Forest System Road 3107 (Wolf Creek Road). Google map shows it as County Road 429, but the Forest Service actually owns and maintains the road. It is located within the famous Mark Twain National Forest. The trail system is a partnership between the Forest Service and Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation. I know a lot of people have worked hard on these trails, but it appears to me that Bill Paxton and Doug Oliver have been the most passionate about the project. There is a north (main) trail head accessible by the Highway 67 north entrance and a south trail head off Highway PP and County Road 447 (also known as W. Lakeview Drive). The Forest Service has recently expanded the parking lot and added bathroom facilities at the main trail head.

I live out by this area and am so excited to see this project progressing so nicely. At both trail heads there are a list of rules and regulations for the trails and detailed trail maps. Once again, although it is titled a "bicycle" trail, it is excellent for walking, hiking, running, etc. I have hiked and ran all 20 plus miles of trails. I would personally classify about seven miles of the inner trails as still rough and undeveloped; yet hikeable. I know the Forest Service is still working on these trails with hopes of a December completion, but at least a path has been cleared and they are marked with trail tape. The other 13 plus miles are in great condition and easily navigable.

I occasionally see people biking, yet rarely see hikers or walkers/runners. I guess that is the main reason for this letter. As much as I would love to keep this trail my own "best kept secret", it really needs to be enjoyed by everyone. I believe this trail is something unique for a community our size. It is something we promote on our tourism brochure and website through the Chamber of Commerce.

The trail has many small "loop" trails that are great for a quick 5K or you can really challenge yourself with what I refer to as the "outer big loop"; which is over 11 miles of continuous hiking/running/biking. As you are enjoying the trail you will cover a variety of terrain from pine and hardwood thickets, ponds/creeks, ridges and valleys and even a rock bridge constructed by the forest service. You will most definitely see wildlife and wildlife tracks. You may even have the rare treat of busting turkeys off their roost or seeing rooting armadillos as I have in the past.

There are no Atvs or horses allowed and please take out what you bring in. I strongly suggest, for safety purposes, you bring a cell phone and let friends and relatives know where you will be and when you plan on finishing. Having said that, I find it to be a safe area and if you get lost, just head north or south and you will reach Highway PP or 67. I would also recommend you bring plenty of water, wear appropriate gear and use sunscreen and bug spray (if appropriate, depending on the time of year).

In the past Wolf Creek Road has been a popular area for illegal trash dumping and target shooting. I believe the usage of the new trail along with increased presence of the Forest Service has helped cut down on the illegal dumping. In April of 2014 the Forest Service closed off that area for recreational shooting and target practice, for the safety of the trail users. The good news is that the Poplar Bluff Ranger District alone has 150,000 acres of land that you can use for target practice and we have a local PB Gun Club you can join.

The Poplar Bluff Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a second annual 5K and 10K Trail Run at Wolf Creek Trail on April 4th at 9:30 a.m. This event will also have a "Bunny Fun Run" for children age six and under, with special guest the Easter Bunny. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 785-7761.

To find out more information about Wolf Creek Bicycle Trail visit http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33314 or call the Poplar Bluff Ranger District office at 785-1475. I am sure there are many people and organizations that have played an integral part in this project and I apologize if I failed to mention them.

One trip and you will most likely fall in love with this trail like many of us already have!

Steve Halter

Poplar Bluff, Mo.