Missouri Trailblazing

Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Location:
Grundy & Livingston Counties

News, Updates, & Warnings:
Closed to trail riding during spring turkey season and all of firearms deer seasons.
There is a shooting range in the area so make sure your horses are used to the sound of gunfire.

Directions:
Equestrian Campground (6): From Jamesport, take Hwy F for 11.6 miles to Hwy 519, turn south. Follow Hwy 519 for 1.6 miles to the trailhead drive on the right.
Equestrian Trailhead (4): From Chillicothe, take Hwy 65 north for 3 miles to Hwy 190, turn west. Drive 11 miles to Hwy U, turn north. Follow Hwy U 8.7 miles to County Road 507, turn south. Drive 0.3 of a mile to the parking lot.

GPS Co-ordinates:
Equestrian Campground (6): N39.95209, W-93.67657
Equestrian Trailhead (4): N39.95712, W-93.7225
Cemetery Along The Trail: N39.94295, W-9369686

Trailer Parking:
Equestrian Trailhead: Moderate
Equestrian Campground: Ample
There are several trailheads that can be used, but some trailheads are inaccessible in wet weather for trailers. Some of the roads in this area turn swampy. The trailhead and equestrian campground listed here should be able to be accessed in any weather.

Season:
Closed during fall firearms deer and spring turkey seasons.

Fees:
No day use or camping fees.

Equestrian Camping:
Yes, parking lot #6 at Pike's Lake allows primitive equestrian camping.
There are no hookups.

Cart/Wagon Driving:
Not allowed.

Miles of Trails:
17 Miles in 12 loops.

Trail Notes:
The trails designated for horseback riding are north of Route A only.
The trails are well marked and generally well maintained. A few trails are rocky and a little more technical, but most are fairly flat or have a little bit of a grade to them. Some sections of trail run along farming fields. Most trails are accessible by two track roads. There is downfall and water crossings to negotiate. A lot of wildlife to enjoy watching. Panther Den is an area you can walk in to explore. A hitch rail is provided to tie up your horse so he/she can rest while you walk in to look around. There is a shooting range that the Lost Forty Trail runs close to so be sure your horse can tolerate the sound of gunfire.

Map:
Colored Map

Other Trail Users:
Hikers, mountain bike riders, and hunters.

Other Activities:
Fishing, hunting, picnicking, wildlife & bird watching.

Facilities:
Pit toilets available at a few of the different parking lots.
Equestrian Campground: Hitching rails, fire rings, pit toilet.
Equestrian TH: One hitching rail.
Drinking Water: Not Available.
Water For Horses: Creeks and ponds.

Emergency Information:
Cell Phone Signal: Limited to none.
Livingston County Sheriff: 660-646-0515
Grundy County Sheriff: 816-359-2828
Hospital: Hedrick Medical Center
GPS: N39.80209, W-93.54508
Chillicothe
660-646-1480
Veterinarian: Chillicothe Animal Hospital
Chillicothe
660-646-3670

Volunteers Helping With This Page:

Julie McDonald

Photos:

The Campground:

Area can get very muddy in early spring wet weather.

All of the following photos are courtesy of our volunteer Julie:
(Click on photos to enlarge for better view.)

Lake and Campground Panorama

Shady areas to park in.

Campground not usually crowded so there's room to graze.

Pit toilet in the background at the campground.

After the ride.

Relaxing in camp.

Relaxing in the shade.

Perfect ending of a perfect day of riding.

Typical Trail Photos:

Some two track forest road riding.

Wide mowed and well maintained trails.

Cool and Shady

More Shade helps in the heat of summer.

Some trails run along farmer's fields.

Mule trailblazing down the trail.

More farm fields to ride along side of.

Creeks Along Trail and Pikes Lake at Campground:

Creeks to cool off your horse.

Lots more water to choose from when it rains a lot.

Boat ramp provides easy access for watering horses.

Panther Den:
Horses are not allowed in this area, but a hitch rail is provided and you can walk in.
It's a short walk through a gorgeous area.