HomeMissouriSmithville › Anita B. Gorman Trailhead

Anita B. Gorman Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Running trail in Smithville, Missouri · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
16 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Anita B. Gorman Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Mixed16 miScenicHillyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Biking, hiking and running trails for hikers, joggers and bicyclists.

What runners say about Anita B. Gorman Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (50 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Beautiful trail if you have dogs they provide duty bags, looking for birds, riding a bike or just come to take a nap its a perfect view and very well maintained trail.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Beautiful trail if you have dogs they provide duty bags, looking for birds, riding a bike or just come to take a nap its a perfect view and very well maintained trail.”

An amazing trail. Everything is well kept and treated very well. The trail is very nice and easy. No big elevation changes. This trail is good for beginner runners, walkers, or bike riders. Plenty of room for everyone and people are very respectful. I wish I could spend more time here.

★★★★★ — Matt , Aug 2020

Wonderful trail, plenty of wildlife. Especially so when there's no people. I saw 5 bald eagles one day that there were no one else around. Deer, plenty of different of birds like kingfishers, northern flickers, bluejays, cardinals, owls, even wild turkeys. And squirrels too!

★★★★★ — Michael , Feb 2023

Excellent bicycle trails. Great for the whole family. Kid friendly trails. Relatively flat with hills and curves through wooded areas

★★★★★ — Marykaye , Jun 2020

Nice place to walk or ride around Smithville Lake. A good mix of sun and shade. Can get windy along the exposed parts of the trail!

★★★★★ — James , Aug 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 50 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“Beautiful trail if you have dogs they provide duty bags, looking for birds, riding a bike or just come to take a nap its a perfect view and very well maintained trail.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“Great paved trail and plenty of places to stop and relax or rest”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Relatively flat with hills and curves through wooded areas”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Plenty of parking, nice trailhead.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

“It's probably about a 16 mile ride there and back.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🚻 Restrooms

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Anita B. Gorman Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance16 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Websiteclaycountymo.gov
  • Phone+1 816-407-3400
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Anita B. Gorman Trailhead

Clay County, Smithville, MO 64089

Get directions

Running trails near Smithville

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Jack Rabbit Bend Trailhead

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Hiking area with a lake and paved trails suitable for children.

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Cabin Fever Trailhead

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PavedShadedScenic

Paved, lakeside trail for biking and walking, with scenic views and picnic areas.

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Little Platte Park

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MixedDog-friendly

Lake with a swimming area, a disc golf course and shelters, plus picnic tables.

2.3 miles away

Little Platte Trailhead North

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Paved

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Smoke & Davey Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 200 reviews

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MixedShadedScenic

Scenic bikeable trails running through mostly wooded area, with lakeside views.

3.3 miles away

All running trails in Smithville, MO →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.