Chicot State Park

[lab rat]

Has anyone been on these trails lately? I am heading over there for a little R&R with my family next week and was hoping to get a ride or two in. I have never been on the trails so I am not sure what to expect if they are even rideable.

If the trails are in bad shape, I will likely bring the road bike to work some of this Christmas food off!!!!

[b.a.r.k.]

I have not ridden Chicot since the last hurricanes. I heard that the local boy scout troops have been working on the trail but I cannot confirm this.
If you have not ridden Chicot before; going clockwise the first 4 miles are a beast. Do not be discouraged. The following 16 miles are great riding. The long bridges over the swamps are worth the torturous 4 mile start.

[lab rat]

Thanks, I guess I can call the park office and get an idea of what has been done since the storms. The first four miles sound like good training for Oak Mt.!!!

[reddog]

My older two sons and I camped there once. We stopped and asked a cute young Native American Park Ranger if the trails were suitable for bikes.
She answered in her best North Louisiana hillbilly voice "They'se mostly rugged and growed up" I could've fell out the truck laughing.

[lab rat]

Thanks for the tip Burns - I will be on the lookout for her.

[lab rat]

I got to ride a portions of these trails but had my wife and kid with me so we only got about 5 miles of the hard section done. This section was well maintained but had some very steep climbs. I was told the whole 20 mile loop is open. If anyone is up in this area it may not be bad to check out. I wish I could have rode the whole thing but we were catching too many fish so I had to cut my biking out!!!

[slowbrandon]

Priorities man! Priorities!

[lab rat]

Just trying to catch you some vittles for the Oak Mt. trip bud!

[slowbrandon]

K, in that case... you may proceed...

[thebluesbox]

Slowbrandon I love your avatar I hope that isnt a mini shot of you lol....

I pass by chicot a couple times on my route to forest hills, is it worth the stop???

[lab rat]

The little bit I got to ride was. You should try it out.

[b.a.r.k.]

It's been 3 years since I rode Chicot. We took the family and a few friends there for a long weekend in the Deluxe Cabins on the water. We had a great ride on Saturday morning. The main loop is 20 miles but you can piece together different sections, or do an in-and-out if you cant make the whole loop.

This place is too close to not get more traffic.

[Joe D]

Been riding it about once 4 times since the middle of Dec including this past Sun. Trails are very good. Its a little slick with the leaves and pine needles down but well marked and will not get lost. There are maps available at the entrance. There are some emergency exits wich will get you to a road if needed but once you are on the east side of the lake expect a pretty good road ride back. From the South trailhead to the North trailhead is pretty tough Some steep technical climbs and descents for about a 2 mile section from the South to Walker Branch. It tapers off a little bit from Walker to the North. Some fun climbs and some prretty good flowing downhills. From the North all the way to the East trailhead is a little more flat but fun and flowing and easy enough for beginners. Bunch of bridges and levee ride overlooking part of the lake and the dam is pretty cool at the East trailhead. From the East to the South it picks up with more climbs and downhills but most are not too tough for beginners. Flowing lots of ups and downs, very fun section. I bring my wife and 14yr old and they were able to do everything from the north to the south on one of their first rides. The only issue is its long. 20 miles or so but its fun for a ride in ride out too. Beginners ride from the North towards the East and back. A little more experienced starting at the South and going south back toward the East trailhead is very fun. All this and I havent even gotten to the campground!! The Deluxe Cabins are beautifull with windows overlooking the lake within walking distance to the swimming pool. The south campground is perfect for tent camping, pretty secluded with plenty of room, water and power. If your bringing a camper the North seems a little better. Theres an Arboretum there to check out and boat and canoe rentals. The also catch some massive bass and sacalait out there. Our only problem with the place is that when we go we never want to leave. Theres a little something for everyone there. Deffinately a place to check out if you havent been!!!

[Holly]

Agreed, this place is fabulous. Went for the first time several weeks back for the first time to scout around and start planning for the Backpacker Bushwacker Adventure Race we will be putting on March 25th out there. Beautiful setting, loved it!