Cooley Lake Conservation Area
Cooley Lake Conservation Area, Clay County, Mo.
Hikers can enjoy Missouri River access, an oxbow lake and towering bluffs.
Trail Cooley Lake Conservation Area
Overview
Cooley Lake is named after a still-existing oxbow lake that broke off from the Missouri River. Part of the conservation area is north of Highway 210 and part is south. The southern portion provides about a half-mile of riverfront access. The northern side is where the trails are located. Hikers will experience diverse environments. In the lowlands you’ll find extensive marsh areas, including those surrounding Cooley Lake. The 1,345-acre reserve also includes some pastoral land. A highlight is the 200-foot bluffs that rise from the lake and overlook the Missouri River Valley. The bluffs are heavily forested and peppered with limestone outcroppings. An observation platform is located atop the bluffs. If you don’t want to climb the steep vertical trail to reach it, you can drive to the top via Ridge Road. See the notes below on trail conditions.
Conservation area warning
Unlike other parks, conservation areas permit hunting. For safety reasons, don’t hike in conservation areas during major hunting seasons. View the Missouri hunting season calendar here.
Length The foot trail is approximately one mile long, but if you’re interested in free-lance exploring, you can go further.
Address and location The conservation area is two miles east of Missouri City on 210 Highway. The address is Cooley Lake Conservation Area, Excelsior Springs, Mo., 64024. If you need street coordinates, take 210 Highway to Boyer Road and turn north. You’ll immediately enter the area.
Conditions Trails in Missouri Conservation areas, including this one, are often poorly maintained and difficult to follow. This is especially true during seasons of thick foliage. This trail begins along a mowed path and then heads nearly straight up a 200-foot bluff. It’s difficult to follow. The best season to hike this trail is late fall, after deer season, when visibility is high and you can bushwhack if necessary. With the leaves fallen, you can also get the best views of the valley from the top.
Kid friendly? Small children will enjoy exploring nature but will find the official foot trail impassable. With several small lakes, parents should also be mindful of water safety and avoid the area during popular hunting seasons. If you visit the river frontage, extra care must be given to water safety.
How busy? This conservation area is a place of solitude – except during deer season.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated); hunting dogs can be off leash, but see all regulations here.
Bikes Prohibited except on roadways.
