Smith Creek Trailhead
This provides access to the Smith Creek loop of the Cedar Creek Trail system.
Smith Creek Loop
- Length: 5 miles
- Trail Markers: orange diamonds
- Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
- Difficulty: moderate, there are some slopes and stream crossings with no bridge
- Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material
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
Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. There are no designated sites and no amenities.
Pine Ridge Recreation Area - This quiet campground in the pine forest has eight individual campsites, each with its own table, fire ring, lantern post and grill. There is a dumpster located in the campground.
Dry Fork Recreation Area - This out of the way campground has 8 single and 1 group site. Hitching posts are available at each site for equestrian use.
Safety:
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
- Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
- Be sure to tell someone your plans,
- don’t hike the wilderness alone and
- carry extra supplies so you are prepared to take care of yourself in case you get lost, injured, or delayed.
- The universal distress signal is three of anything: shots, shouts, smokes, whistles.
The Ozark climate is mild enough to make Wilderness visits feasible throughout the year, as long as visitors bring proper gear. When possible, take advantage of this opportunity and plan your visit outside the peak spring and fall use seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Available Maps
- Cedar Creek Trail System - PDF
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
January to December
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Permits
- No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trail.
- No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trailhead.
On the Trail
- Trail is open to hiking, biking and equestrian use.
- The Pine Ridge Section is hike/bike only.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
- Stock: never tie stock directly to trees.
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;
At the Trailheads
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- 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
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
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
Most parking areas can fit 3 vehicles.
Trailheads to Access Moon Loop
- Moon Loop (Barnes Chapel Road)
- Rutherford Bridge Trailhead
- Moon Loop (Ginn Road)
Trailheads to Access Smith Creek Loop
- Boydsville North Trailhead
- Smith Creek Trailhead
- Rutherford Bridge Trailhead
Trailheads to Access Southern Loop
- Paris Chapel Trailhead
Trailheads to Access Pine Ridge Section
Equestrian trailhead available at Dry Fork Campground. No equestrian use at Pine Ridge.
- Pine Ridge Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
- Dry Fork Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Trailheads:
Dry Fork and Pine Ridge Recreation Area trailheads have potable water. All other trailheads do not have potable water.
Along the Trail:
Open water sources along the trail are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Horses are not allowed on the Pine Ridge Section of the trail.
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.