Boydsville North Trailhead
The Boydsville North Trailhead leads to the Smith Creek Loop of the Cedar Creek Trail.
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.
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.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. 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: 38.814399
Longitude: -92.111611
Directions
From Fulton
- Take State Highway H for 11.3 miles
- Continue on County Road 353/County Route 353 2 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
Accessibility
Pine Ridge Recreation Area - Tables, toilet, grills, and lantern posts are accessible.
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.
Horseback Riding Info
Cedar Creek Trail is approximately 36 miles long and offers a great opportunity to view over 16,000 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District with various wildlife habitats. The trail meanders through the oak hickory forests and tallgrass prairies, with the equestrian trailhead located at Dry Fork Recreation Area. Access to trail can also be found on many county roads in the area.
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.
No horses allowed on Pine Ridge Section of Cedar Creek Trail, alternative route available.
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.
Viewing Wildlife Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils.
Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home.
Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
An online version of the Missouri Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on their website.
Viewing Plants Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils. Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home. Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
Within this wide and varied landscape there exists a diverse array of plants. Of the roughly 2800 species of plant in Missouri, about two-thirds can be found on the Forest. While most can be found commonly throughout the Forest, less common species can be found in specific natural communities such as calcareous fens, acid seeps, and glades (limestone, dolomite and igneous).
What to look for
- Native - MDC Field Guide
- Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Species - Mark Twain | MDC Species
Viewing Scenery Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils.
Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home.
Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.