about earthriders
trail name: Clinton Lake Trail view trailhead map
park name: Clinton State Park
nearest town: Lawrence
directions from nearest town: Take Kansas Hwy 10 west through Lawrence to Douglas County 13. Turn right and then take your first left into Clinton State Park. Follow the road a short distance until you get to the gravel parking area that's on the right. The trailhead is at the corner of the parking area nearest the tree line.
rating (1-5): 3 - 4
description: This has to be one of the best trails around Kansas City. They say there are 25 miles of trails here although I haven't ridden them all. Mike Rago and I recently did a 12 mile ride from the trailhead, past the swimming beach a mile or so and turned around and went back to the beach. We took the roads back to the truck.
There are actually two trails, the easier Blue trail and the more difficult White trail, which split and rejoin at various points. The trail is rocky in many places and smooth in others. There aren't any serious climbs or descents, but this trail will definitely give you a good workout.
Watch video of this trail -
Skills Area:
Blue Trail:
trail map: view trail map
highlights: There are a few sections where you can just haul-butt on, if you're into that sort of thing. There are numerous technical climbs for you to hone your skills.
submitted by: Andrew C. Stokes
email address: acstokes@qni.com
additional thoughts: This trail is also open to hikers so watch for them. There is a box at the trailhead with maps if you're interested. They say the trail stays wet for a number of days after a rain. Please give it plenty of time to dry.
The trail is maintained by volunteers under the direction of the Kansas Trails Council. To assist with this effort, please call Carl Ringler (KTC coordinator for Clinton Lake) at 913-843-9141. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
