Lakeside Trail Hike at Cuivre River State Park

Along the Lakeside Trail, you will see blooming flowers and wildlife at Cuivre River State Park, located north of Troy, Missouri.

This is a 3.6-mile loop hike on a natural surface trail that can be rocky, with an elevation gain of 112 feet. It took me about an hour and a half to complete.

Trailhead Information

I began the hike near the boat ramp by the dam on Lincoln Hill Road. You can access the trail from Mossy Hill Road near the swim beach at Lake Lincoln, as well as through connector trails from the main campground.

The 3.85-mile Old Schoolhouse Trail shares part of its path with the Lakeside Trail. It can be accessed from a trailhead off Missouri Highway 147 on Hardy Road.

Dam Area of Lakeside Trail

After parking in the lot, I walked along a narrow, mowed trail to the right of the parking area, which leads to a bridge over the spillway. I paused for a moment to observe the water flowing out of the dam before continuing on my way.

After the bridge, the trail heads to the top of the dam. I then came across a Lakeside Trail sign showing markers are blazed light blue.

Finding My Way Along Arms of the Lake

After crossing the dam, you enter the woods along the lake. I primarily walk near the shoreline around various arms of the lake.

Next, I crossed a small stream bed.

Then came an area of yellow flowers with purple ones nearby.

The trail emerges from the woods into a grassy glade.

As I stepped out of the glade, I glanced to my left and noticed a large black snake curled up. I had already walked past it before I fully realized what I had seen. So, be cautious and watch for them as you walk.

*Heading to the left to continue on the Lakeside Trail.*

Then, I noticed a trail leading away from the shoreline and a narrower path continuing to the left. I needed to go left because the Old Schoolhouse Trail diverges from the lake.

Fencing in the lake is used to bring in lily pad growth in a shallow cove. Then I pass by some large ferns grow along the next section of the trail.

Next, I reach another rocky hollow with small pools of water. Nearby, the Old Schoolhouse Trail diverges from the Lakeside Trail once again.

*Crossing on a walkway over a swampy area.*

A newer walkway has been installed over a swampy area. I take in the view of the main arm of the lake before going to the last arm.

Last East Shore Section

Then, I cross another stream bed and proceed towards the campground area.

I arrive at the first series of steps leading to the campground. This set has 118 steps to reach the top.

Finding Indian Paintbrush flowers along the walk.k. — *Finding Indian Paintbrush flowers along the walk.*

Light red flowers are in bloom along here. Now, I come by a series of stairs that have 136 steps.

As I approach a beach, I am greeted by two families of geese heading out into the lake.

Then I come to another stairwell that has 141 steps.

I arrive at another Lakeside Trail sign near the beach parking. The bridge over the stream near the parking area is closed.

*Crossing using rocks by a closed bridge.*

However, using large rocks to cross the clear stream is quite enjoyable. Looking down into the water, I can see small fish swimming about.

Starting the West Shore Hike

Near the beach, there are restrooms. To the right of the beach, a paved walkway leads further. At the end of it, I cross over a low area and an embankment before coming across a warning sign and the trail. This is the west shore section.

I pass canoes and then back into the woods. Next, I cross another bridge along the trail.

I come to a sandy brook. The trail goes across rockier terrain than the other side.

*Fallen trees happen quite often when you are on a hike, so be prepared for such hurdles.*

Along the trail, I also cross over to fallen trees.

Then I come to a rock shelf and the last leg of the walk.

*Black and white ducks out on the lake.*

Nearby in the water are two black and white ducks. Then, I was back at the boat ramp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a moderate hike near a lake, this is a great option. If you also want a loop hike that is easy to follow, then this one works; as long as you stay along the lake, you’re on it.

DETAILS

More activities include camping, swimming, fishing, boating, and horseback riding on some of the trails, among others, in this large park. For more information, go to the website.

Trailhead Drive: Take either I-64 or I-70 to U.S. Highway 61, then go north. Then, exit onto Missouri Highway 47 and proceed east. Next, make a left onto Missouri Highway 147. Then, by the Visitor’s Center, make a right onto Lincoln Hills Road. After you pass the stop sign for Camp Cuivre Drive, turn left. The boat ramp road will be the next right turn.

Hours: 6 am – Sunset, daily, Year-Round — Camping is available

Trailhead Address: Boat Ramp, Lincoln Hills Rd, Troy, MO 63379