Kimberly Bikes from Lawrence KS on 4/11/2021 10:06:16 PM:
I rode the section between Pilot Grove and Cooper's Landing on Friday and today (Apr. 9 and 11). We dealt with the detour because the water was way up in Salt Creek and it was not possible to cross it. Coming from the New Franklin side, we popped out to Hwy 40 at the trail closing. Yes, this is a two-lane, busy highway with no shoulder and rumble strips at the white line. We shortened up the highway exposure by turning off on a gravel road - #440. It is excellent gravel. It maybe saved around a mile of that awful highway riding. But worth it. Be advised, however, when you ride it back the other way (from Rocheport, headed toward New Franklin), you'll have to climb a good hill as soon as you get on the gravel. I walked part of it because I was fully loaded with gear.