Featured National Recreation Trails

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Every kind of trail activity is represented in the listing of designated NRTs. Besides hiking and bicycling, the system includes water trails, motorized routes, snow tracks, greenways, and equestrian paths. The NRT program showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

See more trails managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Black River National Recreation Trail, Missouri

The US Army Corps of Engineers manages the 3.25-mile gentle paved and gravel trail that winds through the bottomland hardwoods and pines along the Black River below Clearwater Dam near Piedmont, MO.

Click on map or link to see detailed map of the area

photo of kids on trail

entrance sign at Lacy Point Nature Trail, Waco Lake

The Black River Hike and Bike Trail is a 3.25-mile gentle paved and gravel trail that winds through the bottomland hardwoods and pines along the Black River below Clearwater Dam. The 10-foot wide trail is perfect for biking, jogging or for taking a leisurely stroll.

The main trailhead is in River Road Park on the southeast side of the park, but you can enter the trail at four other locations. Watch for the signs on Highway HH below the Dam. One location is just east of Clearwater Store, and the other two locations outside the developed park are in the Overflow Camping Area at the ponds below the dam. Each entry point offers you multiple options from as short as a 1 mile walk to a full 3.25 mile bike ride and any combination in between.

We recommend you enter the tail at the overflow camp area off of HH highway between Memorial Day thru Labor Day if it is a weekend or you are not a camper.
The entire trail takes about an hour and a half to walk, and there are rest benches along the way. The trail offers a great diversity of scenery.

photo of blactop trail in snow

Lacy Point picnic table under Live Oak

One can see a Great Blue Heron standing in the water willow along the Lower Black River, look at the pine plantation on the interior of the trail, or view work performed by the Clearwater Lake staff to preserve a stand of Giant River Cane, which is required nesting habitat for the endangered Swainson’s Warbler.

If you walk the trail early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may see deer, turkey and other wildlife along the way.

The Black River Hike and Bike Trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and we invite everyone to come out and enjoy it. We ask that no litter be left behind. Remember, the trail is only open to hikers and bicycles. No motor scooters or all terrain vehicles are allowed.

Location and trailhead:

The Black River National Recreation Trail is located in River Road Park, near Piedmont. Missouri.

Directions to Trail: From Piedmont, MO take highway HH north approximately 6 miles to River Road Park entrance.

For more information:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clearwater Lake
RR 3 box 3559-D City, Piedmont, MO 63957
Phone: (573) 223-7777

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Trail managers can update online trail information in the NRT database. You may also e-mail information on minor changes or to update Featured NRT pages.

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Featured National Recreation Trails

Black River National Recreation Trail, Missouri