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Smithville Lake of Clay County, Missouri - ridgewayearthlink-net added this area

Smithville, MO



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Smithville Lake is a 7,200 acre lake and has more than 175 miles of shoreline. Located just 20 miles from downtown Kansas City, there are several recreational opportunities available to the outdoor enthusiast that include: 2 swim beaches, 777 campsites, reservable shelters, 2 full service marinas including boat rentals, 1 sailboat only marina, dockside restaurant, 2 public 18-hole golf courses within the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, 4 disc golf courses, great fishing whether from shore or by boat, 25 miles of walking/biking trails, 11 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, 26 miles of equestrian trails, home to Kansas City Trapshooters Association, public hunting that includes managed goose hunts as well as youth and ADA white-tail deer and wild turkey hunts, and an aggressive 2,300 acre native grassland revitalization project.

Smithville Lake offers 26 miles of horse/primitive hiking trails on the southeast side of the lake. The trail begins at Crows Creek Campground and ends in Arley, Missouri.

The area features a mix of rolling and flat terrain with many creek crossings. Fields of native warm-season grasses, wildflowers and row crops are scattered among the timbered areas.

The primary trailheads at Crows Nest and Jack Rabbit Bend offer ample trailer parking.

Loop A at Crows Creek Camground offers electric and electric/water camping sites for equestrians. Restrooms, showers, laundry and water hydrants are conveniently located. Please refer to the online reservation website for details.

Orange indicators mark the shoreline trail and white indicators mark the boundary trail.

Lettered locator posts have been placed along the trail to help riders reference their location on the map.

The trails east of Collins Road are located within Public Hunting Areas. Please use caution during hunting seasons.


Event Name: Jesse James Rideout
Date: 09/27/2024 - 09/29/2024
Location: Smithville Lake of Clay County, Missouri
Contact: John Zeliff
Event Flyer: N/A
Event Host:

Jesse James Rideout September 28-29, 2024 Smithville Lake, Clay County Parks, 17201 Paradesian, Smithville, MO 64089 Governed and Sanctioned by the Rules of the North American Trail Ride Conference NATRC Type A (Two-day) Ride - Novice, CP, Open ................................................................................................ September 28-29 NATRC Type B (One-day) Ride - Novice, CP, Open - B1 Saturday B2 Sunday ................................................... September 28 & 29 NATRC Type B (One-day) Ride - Leisure (LeD) Division - B1 Saturday B2 Sunday ............................................ September 28 & 29 60 rider limit for Novice, CP, Open ............................................................................. 20 rider daily limit for LeD Trails: Boundary and lake trails with woods and meadows. Little rock or hills. Trails are permanently maintained by Kearney Saddle Club volunteers. Directions: Located between Smithville to the West (Hwy 169) and Kearney to the East (I-35) and Hwy 92 to the South. Drive west from Kearney or east from Smithville on 92 Hwy to “E” Hwy. Turn north on “E” and follows signs to Crow\'s Creek Campground. At the stop sign in the park, turn left, and go to the campground. The Jesse James homestead and museum are located nearby in Kearney, MO. Camping: Crows Creek Equestrian Campground, Loop A (sites 1-90) offers 50 amp electric and 50 amp electric/water camping sites for equestrians. Restrooms, showers, laundry, and water hydrants are conveniently located. To register for a camping site, call the park office at 816-407-3400 and identify yourself with the Jesse James Rideout. Make sure you receive our discounted camping fee of $35 per night. The park is holding the entire campground for our use until September 10th. After that date any sites not reserved will be available to the public as well on a first come first serve basis. Stabling: As allowed by NATRC rules *LeD riders may rent stall barn pens. No electric fencing allowed. Ride Notes: A current negative Coggins Certificate is required on all horses. A current Health Certificate (within 30 days of this event) is required on all out-of-state horses. Dogs are not allowed in management, check-in and briefings areas and must be always leashed (insurance requirement). Ride Details: Late arrivals should make arrangements with ride management. A Ride: Check-in 2pm until dark on Friday - ride briefing planned for 6pm Friday and Saturday B1 Ride Saturday: Check-in 2pm until dark on Friday - ride briefing planned for 6pm Friday B2 Ride Sunday: Check-in 3-6pm on Saturday - ride briefing planned for 6pm Saturday B1 LeD Saturday: Check-in 9-10am on Saturday - ride briefing at 11am, timed out at noon B2 LeD Sunday: Check-in 9-10am on Sunday - ride briefing at 11am, timed out at noon Meals: On your own. Entry Fees: A Novice, CP, Open: Adult .................................. $130 member ....................... $165 non-member A Novice, CP, Open: Junior ................................ $100 member ....................... $135 non-member B Novice, CP, Open: Adult and Junior ............... $ 85 member ....................... $120 non-member B LeD: Experienced, Adult, Junior ..................... $ 65 member ....................... $ 85 non-member • A deposit of $30 or your full registration fee, refundable up to September 10th, must accompany the entry to hold your spot in the ride. • No shows, no refund. • All cancellations must be made through the Ride Secretary. • Any entrant deemed unfit to compete at check-in will be refunded all but $10. • Make Entry Fee Checks Payable to: John Zeliff and mail to John Zeliff or Venmo @johnzeliff If possible, please enter through the RMS system at natrcr6.org under “Schedule”. • NATRC offers Free First Year memberships for new riders at natrc.org/join. • First Ride Free for all new riders is sponsored by NECTRA, either one A or B ride. Please indicate when you register if this is your first NATRC competition. Horsemanship Judge: Sarah Smith Veterinary Judge: Tamara Gull DVM Leisure Judge: LeeAnn Dreadfulwater Ride Chair: John Zeliff 30038 X Avenue, Skidmore, MO 64487 cell: 660-562-8878 john@springvalleycarriages.com Ride Secretary: Ruth Mesimer cell: 816-863-3221 RuthM9496@gmail.com In Case of Emergency Call 911 Clay County Park Office 816-407-3400 John Zeliff cell 660-562-8878

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Land manager is Clay County – https://www.claycountymo.gov/Parks/Smithville_Lake/Trails/Equestrian_Trails

The shoreline is rented from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by Clay County, Missouri for recreational purposes. Contact the Clay County Park Rangers Office at (816) 407-3400 for more information.

Regulations And Safety Rules
No camping along trail or at access areas
No open fires
Please keep horses out of crop fields
Follow safe riding practices
Be alert to hazardous crossings and low limbs
Horses shall not enter lake
Show consideration to other riders on trail
Ride horses only on designated trails
To prevent trail damage, avoid riding when trails are wet
Help keep our trails clean — Do not litter