Medford Trailhead in Medford
Mike B from Lenexa, KS on 06/13/2023 10:01 AM:
Just wanting to confirm if anyone has been through Medford and that the water fountain is working ? Coming through and planning to refill there before camping in Chilhowee and just wanting to double-check water is available. Thank you
Rock Island Trail Closure - Medford - Chilhowee
CurtM-FTW from Fort Worth TX on 10/28/2021 12:49 PM:
There is a trail closure on the Rock Island Spur between Medford and Chilhowee, west of Highway P intersection. Can't be more specific, since I didn't know until I got there (10/24/21). Didn't find any notices on the MO State Parks site, and am not from the area, so it was kind of a surprise. It looked like a culvert washout. Heavy equipment on trail. No detour posted and couldn't quite pinpoint the location. Riders from Medford to Chilhowee (or reverse) should be aware. Thanks.
madununibomer from op on 10/28/2021 02:59 PM:
how many miles past medford did you just turn around and go back is it possible walk thru thanks for the heads up.probily could find a deture by riding on highway 2 was ooking onn google maps didnt see a p intersection.
CurtM-FTW from Fort Worth TX on 10/28/2021 09:29 PM:
I was incorrect about the location of the closure. It's EAST of the Medford TH, closer to Medford than Chilhowee. If I had to hazard a guess, it would be the crossing with SW 971 Road. It was a surprise and I should have noted the location better. But with the rain and all that, wanted to keep going. I did see what must have been HW 2 curving south, so that would be my guess. I drove HW 2 a couple of times a few years ago; it would be poor choice for cycling. I did walk the bike through; it was Sunday. Pretty loose fill and you have to maneuver around the heavy equipment. You'll have to empty your shoes.
madununibomer from op on 10/29/2021 05:20 AM:
thanks for looking out.
Medford Trailhead in Medford
Doug Bolton from Lee's Summit on 09/10/2017 08:43 PM:
Medford seems to be the turn around spot for lots of the pleasant hill riders including me and as the longest gap of the trail systems of 17 miles from p hill could it at least get a water fill station Please!!! A repair stand and pump would also benefit the spot while i am bending ears..
Rider from Lee's Summit on 09/11/2017 01:04 PM:
I totally agree with you. It is a nice turn around distance from PH and wish there was more there. I am thankful for the picnic bench and bathroom.
Matt Brickell from Lee's Summit on 12/10/2017 08:01 PM:
Agreed. I'd probably ride to Medford a lot more often if there was a water point there. I generally start out in PH, go out 10 or 12 miles, and head back. I'd probably push it (somewhat old and fat lol) to Medford more often, but nothing there, so the incentive is low. I wish Chilhowee were interchanged with Medford, they have a great little store, a smidge far for me time-wise from PH. A few times I've driven to Medford and parked then rode to Chilhowee or Leeton. It's nice being able to buy a gatorade or iced coffee or some almonds or something without having to carry everything.
There probably isn't enough demand, at least consistently, to warrant a store in Medford, but it would be nice. But back to the original point, a water point here would be huge.
I think the outgoing administration in Jeff City really pushed to just get the RIT operational before they were out of office. Unfortunately, not time to nail down details like water, etc. It was all they could do to get the rock down. The incoming administration seems to have made the trail a lot less of a priority. Unfortunate.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 12/11/2017 08:02 AM:
Those services will come with time (there are few stops along the Katy that do not have services). I would hope the next couple of years of efforts will be focused on building out the rest of trail if this is an either/or situation.