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Running between the Pierson Ranch and Lewis & Clark Recreation Areas just west of the city of Yankton, the Lewis and Clark Lake Trail is another worthy entry in the area's network of multi-use trails. The paved trail follows a section of the northern side of the oblong lake, a man-made reservoir along the Missouri River. The trail passes through a pleasantly wooded and quiet landscape, making it a popular destination for area cyclists and runners looking to get in some mileage.
In the east, the trail picks up where the Highway 52 Trail ends at Crest Road - that trail continues on a straight shot east for over four miles, bringing you right into the heart of Yankton. Continuing west, the trail enters into the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, which is home to a variety of campgrounds, marinas, and recreational facilities of all sorts, making it a popular regional destination. The western end of the trail lies within the Gavins Point campground area, where several additional hiking and nature trails continue into the bluffs above the lake. Easily accessible from Yankton and well-worth a trip if you find yourself in the area, the Lewis and Clark Lake Trail offers one of the best ways to enjoy a warm summer day in southern South Dakota.
Parking and restrooms are available along the trail within the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, with daily fees charged per vehicle - consult the official park website for details. The main entrance is located off of Highway 52 at 43349 SD Highway 52 in Yankton.
Easy ride along the Missouri!
We biked through the campgrounds at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, along the north shore of Lewis & Clark Lake. We find it fun to see how various folks "rough it" when camping. Seems like there were a thousand campsites and the trail had lots of activity. We extended the ride by riding all the way across Gavins Point Dam and back; there isnt much traffic on it. Although we didnt take the paved Highway 52 trail from the lake into Yankton, we highly recommend riding the paved trails around Riverfront Park in downtown Yankton, and then riding across both levels of the Meridian Bridge, a former RR/highway bridge across the Missouri River that has been modified for pedestrians. And while downtown, go north a few blocks and enjoy the fine large homes, and catch the Auld-Brokaw paved trail that follows Marne Creek from Tripp Park in the west to Burleigh St on the east end. This city knows how to keep bicyclists happy!
This is such a fun trail. The best parts are around the marina and throughout the camping area by the water. There are some fun ways to cut through and be in amidst the trees away from campers as well. We go here a lot because it’s close to home and we love the scenery. It’s so well paved and maintained nicely! It smells soo good along the water.
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