Smithville Lake trails are a Clay County parks system

Smithville Lake is a Corps reservoir, but the everyday trail map has a strong Clay County Parks layer. The county’s walking and biking page names several separate trail systems around the lake: Smoke and Davey, Camp Branch, Crows Creek, Little Platte North, and Little Platte South. Each has its own trailheads, access points, and park features.

That is useful local color because “go to Smithville Lake” can mean very different outings. Camp Branch links campground and swim beach areas. Crows Creek follows the main lake and its arm. Little Platte South ties into Little Platte Park and Paradise Pointe Marina. The county parks page is the right starting point for trails, beaches, shelters, marinas, and camping details, while the Corps remains the broader lake manager. For visitors, the official county trail pages help match the outing to the right side of the lake before driving out.