I was down there for a weekend once, actually going down there again over the 4th peobably, but it was a really nice ride. As far as getting lost, there is a really good map they give you and it is hard to get lost with using that. The map also shows you the difficulty of the trails, and when it says they're difficult, believe me they get difficult. At the time I was riding a 4X4 sportsman and there were a few times I almost turned around as you will climb a rock set of steep stairs that is really touchy, i would slide a little then when I got traction, lookout as it was so steep it would about come back on me. But there are plenty, and I mean plenty of easy to moderate trails to ride on, and there is usually a way around the really tight spots too so it is nothing to worry about, just be careful and use sense. Great trail riding though and there are something like 135 miles of trails there covering around 12 square miles if I remember correctly. When I was there a fellow rider got hurt really badly and had to be airlifted out, it took us close to 35 minutes to get the paramedice down to where he was, then another 2 hours of slow riding with a board on a utility atv that he was put on to get him to the helo, and all this occured in only one quadrant of the riding area to show you how big it was. Also if anyone is from a big city like me here in St Louis, the people down there are really nice and helpful and very courteous I found. Good luck on the ride and be safe, and if you like it come back on the 4th of July looking for a blue Scrambler and that should be me.

 

to ride at chadwick, do we really need those silly triangles on the back of our bikes? also, i have heard that the FS rangers at Sutton's Bluff can be (fill in blank), but how are they at Chadwick? this will be my first time at chadwick, so i am dotting my i's and crossing my t's. i don't think it'll be fun to come home and tell my wife that i got a $100 for unknowingly disobeying one of those silly rules. i say, ride safe (within your limits), have helmet (check), be courteous, and don't litter..just my opinion.

Rob

 

Hey Rob, when we going riding? It was two years ago when I was down at Chadwick, and from what I remember all you had to have was a helmet, but if you go to the website they might have new rules. Here's the current rules online: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/marktwain/re..._25_03_web.pdf
and here's the Chadwick atv site which has the phone number to call for your map and brochure:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/marktwain/re...cobb_ridge.htm

hope this helps and ride safe

 

oops, also at Chadwick I don't think you ride on many roads, maybe a couple form what I remember so just the trail rules apply there, it is at Sutton Bluff that you have to ride on the roads. But ask someone at the phone number I gave to make sure as it has been a while since I was down there.

 

thanks for the heads-up. i downloaded that PDF file, but was dated last year (March, i think). I just like to ride trails (slow to moderate speed). i hope it is nice that day.

rob

 

FWIW,

You are supposed to have a permit which can be purchased at Kay's gas station/convenience store in Chadwick. Sometimes they have maps, sometimes they don't - LOL . You can get either a daily or an annual pass. I've never used a triangle (nor have I have seen any one else at Chadwick use these) and flags are not required (and again rarely seen). I think the triangle is for the forest roads at the Sutton's Bluff area.

The last few times that I've been to Chadwick, I have seen more workers/officials/etc. They mainly have been working on some of the trails, but I also get the feeling they are watching things a little closer. There is also a section of road that runs along the "back" of the official riding area (to the east I believe) that used to be a nice long section - but now has a sign posted that you must be "street legal" -- grrrrr. This used to be one of my favorite sections to run. I've not tried it yet to see how closely they are watching. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

The trails are built as loops, but many of them have a nasty downhill section and I frequently do an "out and back" for many of the trails. A word of advice, when the trail starts to narrow and going downhill, stop and scout ahead on foot for a while to make sure you are comfortable with what is coming ahead. The trails get tight and can be very difficult to turn around.

Have Fun.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the information...I have never been to Chadwick, but some of our members have. I can't wait to go...

Anyone from here going? Look out for the red banner with NWAATVRC on it...if you see it on the 19th...swing by and say HI!!! We are a really great group with lots of fun people.

We'll be camping out also, so we'll be there at least 2 days...

Dawn

www.nwaatvrc.freehomepage.com

 

I just got some Chadwick info in the mail. Looks like alot of trails.

I want to bring my son, but was wondering if these trails are too much for a 1986 Honda Fourtrax 125 (this used to be mine almost 20 years ago, and my dad still has it)? Also, besides the Forest Service permit, do we need a county permit, and if so, where do we get it?

Thanks,
Rob

 

Unless it's changed, the only thing I got last time I was there was a permit at that little store, Katy's I beleive. By the way, if you get that permit for more than the one or three day ride, as I got for the whole year, it works at both Chadwick and Sutton Bluff for the year, of course you will still need the county permit at Sutton Bluff for the roads. As far as your son going, just follow the map and satay on the easy section you will be fine, and you could waste a whole day on just the easy trails down there. Also like the other post said, try the harder ones, just don't go down any steep hills without scouting them and you can always turn around and go back.

 

Don't quote me but I think some members from a Kansas ATV club will be there this same weekend. It sounds like a blast...

Remember look for the red banner that reads NWAATVRC and come by and say HI to us....

Dawn