Smithville Lake is home to more than 60 miles of trails

Smithville Lake is a smorgasbord of trails, with 24 miles of 10-foot-wide asphalt walking/biking trails, 11 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and 26 miles of equestrian trails.

Numerous trail options are available for walkers, bikers and equestrians.

  • Trail Smithville Lake Trail System, Clay County, Mo.

  • Overview
    Smithville Lake, in northern Clay County, Mo., is unique in its abundance of trails. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the area features 24 miles of 10-foot-wide asphalt walking/biking trails, 11 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, and 26 miles of equestrian trails. This means there is something for everyone from the equestrian to the stroller pusher to the hard core mountain biker. The environment around Smithville Lake is gently rolling and pastoral, with much of the shoreline covered in forest. What it lacks in spectacular scenery, it makes up for in size: The lake is 7,200 acres and has more than 175 miles of shoreline. The remoteness of Smithville Lake and its lake environment make it a hotspot for viewing eagles, birds of prey and waterfowl.

  • Length There are 61 combined miles of walking, biking and equestrian trails.

  • Address and location There are numerous trail heads at which to begin your journey. Smithville Lake is located in Smithville, Mo., in Clay County. Download the trail map or view the Google map below to choose a starting point.

  • Conditions The 24 miles of walking trails are paved with asphalt. The bike trails and horse trails are natural surfaces. The trails are expertly marked and maintained and there is ample parking at trailheads.

  • Kid friendly? The wide asphalt trails are excellent for accommodating children on bicycles or on strollers. Hearty kids will likely be fine on the single-track bike trails and horse trails.

  • How busy? The Smoke and Davey Trail is a popular destination. The lake also features hundreds of campsites and draws many “weekend warriors.” The bike and horse trails receive less traffic.

  • Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated).

  • Bikes Allowed.

  • Restrooms can be found throughout the park, however, some are only open seasonally.

  • Official Website


Trail Maps

Smithville Lake Trail System, Clay County, Mo.
Smithville Lake Trail System, Clay County, Mo.
 
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