Paris Chapel Trailhead
The Paris Chapel Trailhead leads to the main Cedar Creek Trail to the south. The Cedar Creek Trail provides a 22-mile system with an excellent opportunity to view the restored lands of 16,500 acres in the Cedar Creek area.
Before 1940 the land was heavily developed for farming, then, in the mid-1940s, the Soil Conservation Service began rebuilding both the soil and the forested lands by replanting trees and seeding grasslands. Now managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it provides recreational opportunities in the transition zone between oak-hickory forests and native prairies. Additionally, travelling north on the trail will lead to the Smith Loop.
General Information
Camping
Camping amenities at Dry Fork Recreation Area include 8 primitive camp sites each with table, fire ring, and lantern post that can accommodate up to 30 foot RV’s or smaller vehicles pulling a trailer. Other amenities include pressurized drinking water, vault toilets, picnic area, and hitching posts. No camping fees, but donations are encouraged.
Dispersed Camping
You can dispersed camp along the trail.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
January - December
6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
On the Trail
- Hiking, Biking and Horseback riding is permitted.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted.
- No horses on the 1 mile Pine Ridge Section, use alternate route.
At the Trailheads
- Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Horses may not be tied directly to trees.
Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.7978
Longitude: -92.12143541
Directions
from Guthrie
- Take State Highway J for 4.5 miles
- turn left onto County Road 356/County Route 356 for 1.1 miles
- Turn left onto County Route 361 to the trailhead.
Parking
All trailheads have a registry board. This lets us know when trails are being used and how so we can better manage the trails.
Most parking areas can fit 3 vehicles.
Horses
Pine Ridge – horse trailers will not fit
All other trailheads can fit horse trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Backpacking Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Biking - Mountain Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Horseback Riding Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.