MOPAC Trail at City Lake, Pleasant Hill
The MOPAC trail system flanks the east side of Pleasant Hill City Lake in Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Four single-track dirt paths explore the shoreline and forest of this rural park.
Trail MOPAC Trail at Pleasant Hill City Lake
Overview
City Lake, in Pleasant Hill, Mo., is looped by several single-track mountain bike trails of various levels of difficulty. The trails are also open for walkers and joggers. The trails are usually within eyesight of one another and run parallel throughout their courses. The pathways hug the shore of City Lake and weave in and out of the adjacent forest. Elevation changes are moderate to minimal. Although it’s called City Lake, this lake is in a quiet, rural setting accessed only by gravel roads. Often you’ll be the only person on the trail and hear only the call of birds and the rustling of leaves. The west side of the lake is rockier and more challenging than the east side. Two bridges cross the lake on the north side. This lake a pleasant location for a relaxed walk through nature in Cass County, Mo.Length Looping the entire lake is approximately 3.5 miles. In order to complete the loop, you’ll need to walk 1.2 miles on a gravel road. Of course you can walk as long as you like by turning back when you feel like it.
Address and location City Lake, 16104 S Lake Rd, Pleasant Hill, Mo., 64080. The trail head is not immediately apparent when you pull into the park. Drive north on the gravel road through the disc golf area. The trail head is near a picnic shelter (pictured here). You can also access the trail on the west side of the lake, though this entrance is not marked. However, the west side trail head coordinates are listed here.
Conditions These trails are single-track, dirt paths. They’re well marked, but contain the occasional root or obstacle that could trip someone up.
Kid friendly? This narrow trail winds through woods and near the lakeshore. Parents need to be mindful of water safety, poison ivy and insect bites.
How busy? This is a low-to-moderate traffic trail.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated).
Bikes Non-motorized bicycles are permitted.
The trail is managed by the city of Pleasant Hill.
