Trails - North Shore Trail

IMBA Rules of the Trail

1. Ride on open trails only. Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure), avoid possible trespass on private land, and obtain permits and authorization as may be required. Federal and state wilderness areas are closed to cycling. Additional trails may be closed because of sensitive environmental concerns or conflicts with other users.
2. Leave no trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open trails you should not ride in conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing, such as on certain soils shortly after a rain. Observe the different types of soil and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. This also means staying on the trail and not creating any new ones. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
3. Control your bicycle. Inattention for even a second can cause disaster. Excessive speed frightens and injures people; there is no excuse for it!
4. Always yield. Make your approach known well in advance. A friendly greeting (or bell) is considerate and works well; startling someone may cause a complaint to be filed. Show your respect when passing others by slowing to walking speed or even stopping. Anticipate that other trail users may be around corners or in blind spots.
5. Never spook animals. An unannounced approach, sudden movement, or loud noise startles all animals. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give them extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing, use special care and follow directions of horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wild animals is a serious offense. Leave gates as you find them, or as marked.
6. Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding – and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your bike in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offense to others. Keep trails open by setting an example of responsible cycling for all mountain bicyclists.

Ride responsibly. Wear a helmet.

Welcome to the North Shore Trail

In November 1980, the Kansas Trails Council, (KTC), began designing the North Shore Trail system. Eleven miles of trail were built over the course of several years, which extended from the Corps of Engineers Overlook Park to the public boat ramp just west of Clinton State Park.

In 1989, on a recommendation from the KTC, the North Shore trails were opened to mountain bicycle use, with the condition that if the trails were negatively impacted, then bicyclists would be prohibited form using them. At the end of a one-year trial period, trail conditions had actually improved, becoming smoother and more defined.

Between 1989 and 1993, the KTC designed and built an additional 14 miles of hiking/biking trails within the North Shore trail system. The KTC created this brochure to help hikers and cyclists enjoy the variety and beauty of the Clinton Lake assets.

In the spring of 1996, the North Shore trailhead was relocated approximately 100 yards west of the original trailhead and additional parking was built to accommodate the ever-increasing number of trail users. The original trailhead will be reserved for the use of those using the Overlook picnic area or hiking to Sanders Mound.

click on the map image for a larger view

The following brief trail descriptions are numbered to correspond to the circled numbers on the map above:

1. The trail enters the woods at the corner of the parking area nearest the tree line. It crosses a gravel service road then rejoins the White trail.
2. The Blue trail drops to the left then jogs right. The trail to Sanders Mound may be reached by following the trail to the left instead of jogging to the right.
3. White trail rejoins Blue trail near park road, crosses stream and re-enters woods.
4. White trail splits to right again.
5. Blue and White trails cross, white splits to left.
6. Trails rejoin and cross road, which descends to marina. A short trail leads up to the new trailhead at the Lake Henry parking lot just before the trails split again.
7. Blue trail descends toward Lake Henry, crosses dam. White trail climbs above service road, then crosses it, continuing on around the backside of the lake. This rather technical, demanding section is known as the Lake Henry Loop.
8. Side trail from picnic area above, down to Lake Henry dam, crosses White and Blue trails.
9. White and Blue trails join briefly, then White climbs above Blue. This section has been dubbed the Deer Club trail.
10. White crosses blue on short jog down hill.
11. Blue and White trails rejoin at Land’s End.
12. White trail splits to right and climbs above Blue. This section was named the "Fredonia Section" because KTC members from Fredonia assisted in the initial clearing of this trail.
13. White rejoins Blue trail.
14. White climbs to the right above Blue.
15. White trail rejoins Blue. Go down hill on Blue 50 yards to rejoin White.
16. White rejoins Blue above boat ramp parking lot.
17. Blue trail splits to left, descends, and crosses park road.
18. White rejoins Blue.
19. Blue trail exits park, crosses road.
20. Trail passes by a corner of a small section of virgin prairie.
21. The trail crosses Coon Creek, climbs the steep west bank, and then follows a dirt road for about 100 yards before reentering the woods on the left.
22. Trail ends at gravel road near the boat ramp.