Hiking KC: Smoke & Davey Trail

Most hikers in our region are waiting for cooler fall weather and the first frost that kills the ticks and sends snakes into hibernation to start the hiking season. 

Smoke & Davey is located in the Smithville Lake area, in Clay County, about 30 minutes north of Kansas City, Kansas. This trail is named for the two Clay County Parks staff members who constructed it. 

Smithville Lake is a 7,200-acre lake with more than 175 miles of mostly forest-covered shorelines. The lake has two full-service marinas with boat rentals, one sailboat-only marina, and a dockside restaurant. Fishing is allowed from the shore or from a boat. 

This hiking trail is a part of the Smithville Lake trail system totaling over 37 miles, of which 11.5 miles are designated as single-track mountain biking trails and 32 miles are equestrian trails. You can see a full map of the area here. The trails are either paved 10-foot-wide asphalt walking/biking trails or chip trails. 

Remember not to hike on muddy trails since it can damage them. Check for trail closings due to muddy conditions here. 

This area is an especially popular destination with mountain bikers.

You can hike any section out of the whole 22 miles. This loop was about 8 miles.

A bulletin board by the parking lot at the beginning of the trail provides free maps and information on birds and wildlife that live in the area.

Part of the hike goes under an old grove of hedge apples. If old trees could talk….

The paths are very well maintained, and wet areas are covered with boardwalks.

There are always places to rest. Make sure you bring plenty of liquids (we prefer water and hot tea) and snacks to keep your energy up.

Resources: 

https://urbantrailco.com/protect-the-trails

https://urbantrailco.com/uploads/files/Maps/SMV_Map2020_light.pdf?v=1592265259258

Magda Born
mborn@kckpl.org
Community Services Librarian
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101          
913-295-8250 ext 1103

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