Smith Creek Trailhead
This provides access to the Smith Creek loop of the Cedar Creek Trail system.
The Smith Creek Loop traverses 5-miles between Boydsville and Rutherford Bridge. This section is marked with orange diamonds. There are amazing vistas of the Cedar Creek from bluffs above. A section of the trail crosses Smith Creek, there is no bridge at the crossing. The loop connects into the Southern Loop and can go up to the Moon Loop on the west side. Or, you can go south and connect in to the Pine Ridge section and connect into the Southern 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.
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.
No fees are required for this site
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: 38.824131
Longitude: -92.137722
Directions
from Millersburg
- Travel on State Highway J for 3.5 miles
- Turn right onto County Road 354/County Route 354 for 2.6 miles 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 available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
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.
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.
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.
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.