The best road cycling routes around Smithville
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99
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Road cycling routes around Smithville feature a landscape characterized by rolling terrain, river valleys, and the shores of Smithville Lake. The area offers a mix of paved paths and quiet roads, with gentle elevation changes suitable for various fitness levels. Routes often follow natural waterways like Line Creek and the Little Platte River, providing scenic views. The region's topography includes low hills and open stretches, making it accessible for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes around Smithville
- The most popular road cycling route is Smithville Lake Trails Loop, a 28.4 miles (45.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 6 minutes to complete. This route offers views of Smithville Lake and its surrounding parkland.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Line Creek Trail loop from North Oak Medical Park, an easy 21.6 miles (34.8 km) path. This route follows the Line Creek, providing a pleasant ride through urban green spaces.
- Local road cyclists also love the Copperhead Ridge Trail – Little Platte River view loop from Smoke and Davey Trailhead Parking, a 18.7 miles (30.1 km) trail leading through riverine landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 37 minutes.
- Road cycling around Smithville is defined by lakefront paths, river valley routes, and open countryside. The network offers options for easy road bike trails Smithville as well as more challenging moderate routes.
- The routes in Smithville are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from 2 reviews. More than 90 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Smithville's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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45.7km
02:07
190m
190m
Embark on the Smithville Lake Trails Loop for a moderate road cycling adventure, covering 28.4 miles (45.7 km) with a total elevation gain of 627 feet (191 metres). You can expect to complete this scenic route in about 2 hours and 6 minutes. The paved path winds along the east shoreline, offering picturesque views of Smithville Lake and the surrounding countryside. As you ride, you'll pass through diverse landscapes, including oak-hickory stands, reconstructed savanna, and prairie areas, with a highlight being the expansive vista from the View from Cabin Fever Trail.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking and access points are readily available around Smithville Lake. The paved asphalt trails are 10 feet wide, making them suitable for various users and generally considered ideal for leisurely rides. Located just 15 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, this route provides a convenient natural escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife during your ride, as the area is home to waterfowl and various birds of prey. The terrain features a mix of rolling and flat sections, ensuring a generally gentle and enjoyable experience. This loop offers a pleasant cycling experience for anyone looking to combine a good workout with beautiful natural scenery.
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Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.0
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14
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47.6km
03:03
290m
290m
The Line Creek Trail – Missouri Riverfront Trail loop offers a unique blend of woodland serenity and expansive river views for road cyclists in the Kansas City Northland. You'll pedal through arboretum-like settings on the Line Creek Trail, passing multiple waterfalls and spotting wildlife, before transitioning to the Missouri Riverfront Trail with its open vistas of the Missouri River and bottomland forests. This 29.6-mile (47.6 km) route, with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain, is a moderate ride that takes about 3 hours and 3 minutes, perfect for those seeking varied scenery and a good workout.
Accessing the loop from the Citi Cards trailhead is straightforward, providing a convenient starting point. Always check the current status of the Missouri Riverfront Trail before you go, as sections can close due to high water or construction, especially since it runs along an operational levee. Planning your ride during mild weather conditions will ensure the most enjoyable experience on this diverse route.
This loop stands out for its excellent connectivity between two distinct trails, offering a unique blend of dense woodland and open riverfront environments. The Line Creek Trail is praised for its wide, well-maintained concrete surface, while the Missouri Riverfront Trail is notable for being the first in the Kansas City area to utilize a levee top for recreation. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for popular cycling trails in Kansas City that combine natural beauty with a touch of local history.
20
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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23.0km
01:02
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Smithville
Tips from the Community
This 8 mile multi-use trail is a great place to go for a peaceful ride. It's a great place to look for deer, birds, and other wildlife as you roll along.
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The views from the trail are beautiful, and worth a stop anytime during your run. As you jog along the path, keep your eyes out for pleasure crafts and fishermen out on the water enjoying their time, especially during summer.
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This campground and marina is an outdoor lover's paradise with a variety of activities to enjoy Smithville Lake including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. It features over 700 campsites and a network of trails, allowing for plenty of jogging loops around this scenic area.
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Nice view of the Little Platte River from the Cabin Fever Trail. The trail is paved and follows the banks of the river for a good distance.
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The Copperhead Ridge Trail is a multiuse trail that runs along the banks of the Little Platte River. The path is fully paved and is open to cyclists, walkers and joggers.
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The Missouri Riverfront Trail is an almost 5-mile long multiuse trail. As the name suggests, the path follows alongside the Missouri River and at certain times, it gives you great views of the water. The trail ends at Platte Landing Park.
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A shallow double-terraced waterfall along the Line Creek Trail. Most easily accessible by a short walk south from the community center trailhead.
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A triple terraced waterfall along the Line Creek Trail. The easiest access is a mile south from the community center trailhead near Frank Vaydik park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Smithville?
There are 9 road cycling routes documented on komoot for the Smithville area. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate options, catering to various skill levels.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Smithville?
Yes, Smithville offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Line Creek Trail loop from North Oak Medical Park is an easy 21.6-mile (34.8 km) path that follows the Line Creek through urban green spaces. Another accessible option is the Copperhead Ridge Trail – Little Platte River view loop from Smoke and Davey Trailhead Parking, which is 18.7 miles (30.1 km) and leads through riverine landscapes.
What are some of the longer road cycling routes in the Smithville area?
For those seeking longer rides, the Line Creek Trail – Missouri Riverfront Trail loop from Citi Cards covers 29.4 miles (47.4 km) and offers a moderate challenge. Another substantial option is the popular Smithville Lake Trails Loop, which is 28.4 miles (45.7 km) and provides scenic views of Smithville Lake.
Where can I find parking for road cycling trails in Smithville?
Many routes in Smithville offer convenient parking options. For example, the Copperhead Ridge Trail – Little Platte River view loop starts from the Smoke and Davey Trailhead Parking. Other routes, like the Line Creek Trail loop, often have starting points near parks or medical facilities that may offer public parking.
Are there any challenging road bike climbs in Smithville?
The Smithville region is characterized by rolling terrain and low hills rather than significant mountain climbs. While routes like the Line Creek Trail – Missouri Riverfront Trail loop and View from Cabin Fever Trail – Camp Branch Park loop are rated moderate and feature elevation gains of around 200-290 meters, they don't typically involve sustained, steep climbs. The focus is more on varied terrain and scenic views.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Smithville?
The region's climate makes spring and fall ideal for road cycling, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially in the mornings or late afternoons, though it's advisable to stay hydrated due to warmer temperatures. The routes often follow natural waterways and open countryside, which are beautiful in all seasons.
Are there scenic road cycling routes with good viewpoints in Smithville?
Absolutely. The Smithville Lake Trails Loop is renowned for its views of Smithville Lake and surrounding parkland. Additionally, the Copperhead Ridge Trail – Little Platte River view loop offers picturesque riverine landscapes, and the View from Cabin Fever Trail – Camp Branch Park loop provides scenic vistas within Camp Branch Park.
Are there circular road bike routes available in Smithville?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Smithville are designed as loops, offering convenient circular rides. Examples include the popular Smithville Lake Trails Loop, the Line Creek Trail loop from North Oak Medical Park, and the Copperhead Ridge Trail – Little Platte River view loop.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Smithville?
The road cycling experience in Smithville is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the mix of paved paths and quiet roads, the scenic views along waterways like Line Creek and the Little Platte River, and the accessible rolling terrain that suits various fitness levels.
Are there any routes that follow river valleys or natural waterways?
Yes, the region's topography often incorporates natural waterways. The Line Creek Trail loop from North Oak Medical Park follows the Line Creek, and the Copperhead Ridge Trail – Little Platte River view loop leads through beautiful riverine landscapes along the Little Platte River.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Smithville?
Road cycling routes around Smithville feature a landscape characterized by rolling terrain, river valleys, and the shores of Smithville Lake. You'll find a mix of paved paths and quiet roads, with gentle elevation changes that are suitable for various fitness levels. The area includes low hills and open stretches, making it generally accessible for road cyclists.
Most popular routes around Smithville
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