Tour of the Trace Creek Section - Page 2

We've divided the trail into four sections, starting north to south.  Each page of this tour contains a map and a trail narrative.  You'll find the narrative below each map.  (click here to go to the next page, click here to go back)

Nice and Easy

You get a half-mile reprieve from the hills as you make your way up a gentle valley, followed by a reasonable climb to the next ridge.  As you start downhill again, you'll pass through a pine grove that is clutching for all its might to the thin soil that covers the rocky, cherty limestone beneath.

Switchbacks, Anyone?

Get used to them-- you're going to see a bunch before you reach Highway DD.  Because of the patchwork nature of Forest Service land holdings, the trail is occasionally squeezed into narrow corridors.  If there is a hill in the way, you either go straight up (see the Wappapello section), or stick to a reasonable grade and switch, switch, switch.  Remember-- no cheating.  No cut-throughs!  It's bad for the ecosystem, so stick to the trail.

Telleck Branch

After you cross DD, there is a pleasant descent to an even more pleasant valley trail along the Telleck Branch of the Big River.  Keep an eye out for a little trail on the right about a quarter-mile down the valley floor.  There you will find a nice little spring and a great camping spot under the pines.  This is the author's favorite spot on the trail.

Council Bluff Connector

Close to the point where the trail crosses the Telleck Branch and heads toward Highway 32 is a branch trail that leads to Council Bluff Lake.  This recreation area features boating, fishing and camping, and has a great sand beach for swimming.  Did I mention the 12-mile loop trail that circles the lake?  It's a well-kept secret of avid hikers and bikers, and is a gorgeous place to spend an October day.