Where eagles soar: The Smokehouse Trail at Clinton Lake

This hike provides a potpourri of local history, wildlife and geology beside the lake.

Trails The Smokehouse Trail at Clinton Lake

Overview
The Smokehouse Trail is named for a stone structure built in 1892, which also functions as the trailhead for this 2-mile loop. The trail explores the bottomland forest environment of the western shore of the 7,000-acre Clinton Lake. While Clinton Lake State Park provides trails on the lake’s eastern side (adjacent to Douglas), this trail is managed by the Corps of Engineers. The Smokehouse Trail is an easy walk through a meadow, riparian woods and across a few creeks. It then follows the lakeshore before completing the loop. The lakeshore is an excellent area for wildlife viewing, including eagles, migratory birds and birds and waterfowl. Interesting geological features include the presence of granite rocks in the lower elevations. In addition to the trail, there is a boat ramp at the Bloomington Public Use Area (of which the trail is a part) that provides extensive lake access and an opportunity to view waterfowl.

• Length 2 miles.

• Address and location
  The Smokehouse Trail is part of the U.S. Corps of Engineers Bloomington Public Use Area on the western shore of Clinton Lake near the tiny town of Clinton. The address is County Road 6, Lawrence, KS 66047. The map below will lead you directly to the trailhead. If the gate is closed, simply park off-road and walk 100 yards toward the Smokehouse. You will see the trailhead sign.

• Distance The trailhead is about one hour from Downtown Kansas City.

• Conditions This is a natural surface trail with moderate elevation changes. It’s well-maintained and expertly marked with hiker icons. You’ll encounter rocks and roots. It will be muddy after a rain or snow melt. It’s best hiked from fall to spring, as summer will bring spiderwebs, ticks and some overgrowth.

• Kid friendly? Children will need to be able to walk the trail. An “industrial strength” stroller might be doable.

• How busy? You’ll probably have it to yourself in the off-season. When the campground is open, there is more traffic.

• Bikes Yes.

• Pets Yes, on a leash.

• Official website 

Trails near the Smokehouse Trail

• Baker University Wetlands & Discovery Center (Lawrence, Kan.)

• Clinton Lake, Sanders Mound Trail at Overlook Park, Lawrence, Kansas

• Clinton Lake George Latham Trail, Lawrence, Kansas

• Clinton Lake North Shore Trails, Lawrence, Kansas

• Eisenhower State Park (Osage City, Kan.)

• Flint Hills Trail (117 miles from Osawatomie to Council Grove)

• KU Field Station Trails (Lawrence, Kan.)

• Lawrence River Trail (Lawrence, Kan.)

• Lawrence Rotary Arboretum

• Perry Lake Old Military Trail (Ozawkie, Kan.)

• Willkomm Trail (Lawrence, Kan.)

• Woodridge Primitive Park (George Latham Trail), Douglas County, Kan.

The historic smokehouse was built in 1892. The trailhead is immediately to its south.

This eagle was photographed flying over Clinton Lake along the trail.