One review on another site says this is "...definitely the best (trail) west of Perry Lake and all the way to Colorado...". It is honest-to-goodness technical singletrack that one would not generally expect to find in Kansas. As a Colorado native and resident I was reminded of home on several portions of this trail; switchbacks, loose rocky descents, quick abrupt climbs, rock gardens, ledges, and multiple water crossings. The trail offers something for everyone from Beginner to Advanced.<br />
Recommend taking the "north" trailhead from the parking lot (eg: heading counterclockwise along the loop). One will jog through a dense and twisty cedar forest which eventually gives way to lush green "valleys" and water crossings in the lower lying areas. Expect some mud, rock gardens, and tall ledges. At about 4 miles you will climb a loose rocky section that takes you up to the surrounding plateau with great views of Tuttle Reservoir to the east. Descend back down through some more forest and come out at the other end of the parking lot. Along the trail you'll see markers indicating distance. Though rare, depending on trail maintenance, the lower areas may be covered by high grass and growth making it difficult to see the trail in spots. At roughly midpoint the trail branches, choose left to stay on the loop. The trail also crosses the narrow road leading to/from the Fancy Creek Campground in two spots. Watch for cars and drivers not used to seeing bikers. Also, might be wise to check for ticks after the ride based on personal experience...
From Manhattan take Hwy 24 (aka Tuttle Creek Blvd.) north out of town for several miles. Hwy. 24 will branch off to the west after a ways and turn into Hwy. 77 which continues north, follow Hwy. 77. Immediately after passing the small town of Randolph on the right turn right (east) onto Hwy. 16. The park is approximately 2 miles to the east. The entrance is on the left side of the street IMMEDIATELY before the bridge that crosses over Tuttle Creek Reservoir (eg: the park is on the west side of the lake not on the east). If you go over the bridge you've gone too far. The trailhead is on the right side of the park entrance road just past a "pay station" on the left and down an unassuming dirt road w/ the sign "trailhead"... At the time of this entry it costs $4.50 for a day use parking permit. To avoid this, park in Randolph and bike up to the trailhead (only 1.5+ mostly flat miles at most)...
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=3282