Explore the Trails in the Lewis and Clark Area
by Lance Catron

           Season change is marked by a long string of small craft on Lewis and ClarkLake. It is not too long before the fishing boats give way to jet skis and pleasure craft. When these types of watercraft appear, it is a sure sign that the trail no longer belongs just to me. As autumn approaches the foliage in the park begins to change with the sumac becoming a vibrant red, and a bright yellow defines the broad and tall cottonwood trees. The grass is brown and the wild flowers patiently await the first killing frost. In mid-November, eagles are what I look for as I run, but they see me long before I see them. They come to the lake along with the migrating waterfowl.     Lewis and Clark Recreation Area avid trail user Charles Barron.

           Barron, a psychologist at Yankton High School, is also a karate instructor. Barron explains how and why he started using the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area trails, “My personal fitness road has turned out to be a trail. I had been running the trail to build endurance for my martial arts training. In January, 1992, I began running with a new goal which was to recover from injuries sustained in a collision between a 250-pound six point deer and myself.”
           Barron has logged nearly 11,000 miles on Lewis and Clark Recreation Area’s bike trail. “One might wonder how so many miles can be logged on such a short stretch of bike trail, and for so many years. This is where the unique properties of the location of Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Mother Nature, and the weather team up. Each of these elements helps me maintain my commitment to staying in physical condition,” Barron adds.
           Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is one of the most popular campgrounds in South Dakota. The park hosts about 1 million visitors annually, with 35,000 overnight campers in 2007. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area borders Lewis & Clark Lake just west of Yankton. The park features:

• three swimming beaches
• four boat ramps
• a full service marina and resort with a restaurant
• 366 electrical campsites
• 15 camping cabins
• 28-target NFAA archery range
• soccer field
• numerous playground facilities and picnic shelters

            A few miles east of Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is Chief White Crane Recreation Area. The park is named after Chief White Crane who was one of the members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe who met with the Lewis and Clark expedition on August 27, 1804, below Calumet Bluff, just south across the river from the park. The park borders Lake Yankton and has an abundance of large, mature cottonwood trees that provide excellent shade and serve as a place for bald eagles to roost during the winter. The Chief White Crane Recreation Area features:

• 146 campsites
• 10 camping cabins on the shoreline
• playground equipment
• canoe and kayak rentals
• fishing opportunities.

            Lewis and Clark and Chief White Crane recreation area both offer several recreational opportunities for visitors. One of the most popular activities at both areas is the trail system. The parks are bound together by intermingling campsites and recreational trails that provide an opportunity for everyone from toddlers to seniors to enjoy.
           Lewis and Clark Recreation Area has three trails that provide recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, horse back riders, wildlife observers, and bicyclists.
           The first trail is the Gavins Point Nature Trail, located in the hilly Trails Section of Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. This one mile loop trail consists of varying elevations with a woodchip base. In 2003, park staff completed a major renovation of the Gavins Point Nature Trail which included widening the trail, removing steps, adjusting the trail grade, and building retaining walls. This trail is used mainly by walkers and nature observers. Several area schools plan an annual hike on the trail to mark the end of their school year. Smokey Bear has even made several guest appearances to promote fire prevention and campfire safety to the trail users. The trailhead features a gazebo that includes an information board along with a breathtaking view of Lewis and Clark Lake.
           When leaving the gazebo, two options are available to hike across the narrow section of Gavins Bay Marsh. Hikers might see a beaver or muskrat at work. The muskrat is smaller than the beaver and likes to burrow into the banks of rivers or marshes. Beavers also burrow into the banks and construct dams which walkers will see when crossing one of the bridges. Continuing on the trail, hikers will have a moderate steady grade through heavily wooded deciduous and pine trees until getting to the crest of the trail. Here is another gazebo with informational display boards and yet another beautiful view of Lewis & Clark Lake with the chalk rock bluffs on the Nebraska side. Heading down to the trailhead hikers have a good chance of seeing and/or hearing several species of birds. Many squirrels also live here. For safety and to help maintain a quiet, natural area, vehicles, bicycles and horses are prohibited on Gavins Point Nature Trail.
           The second trail, Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail, is located just south of the equestrian trail at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. The trail is open to hikers, bikers and equestrian riders. The trail, constructed in the mid 1980s, features challenging changes in elevation throughout its 4.1-mile length. The trail underwent a major upgrade in 2003. Due to the many years of horse traffic, a track one foot deep had developed in the middle of the trail. Park staff widened the trail to an expansive 10 feet, and placed a layer of crushed asphalt over the entire trail surface. The crushed asphalt has held up very well over the last several years and has prevented many wash outs and ruts on the trail. Heavily wooded areas of pines and deciduous trees surround the trail path. The southern portion of the trail overlooks Lewis and Clark Lake. The trail loop intersections are marked by signs that indicate one's location on the trail. It is important to carry water as no drinking fountains are available along the trail.
           The third and final trail is the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail which consists of seven miles of paved asphalt. The trail winds throughout the state park campgrounds and along the shoreline of picturesque Lewis and Clark Lake. The trail passes by sandy beaches and wooded areas where there is an opportunity to spot a deer or wild turkey. Trail users will be in awe of the beautiful boats at Lewis and Clark Marina and will pass by several playgrounds and picnic shelters which are ideal for taking a relaxing break. Continuing east past the marina is Pierson Ranch Recreation Area where park visitors can play tennis, basketball, or soccer. Balls and other needed equipment are available to use for free from the park entrance staff. From here the trail connects with the 3.14 mile Highway 52 Trail which leads into the City of Yankton.
            Chief White Crane Recreation Area also provides an excellent opportunity for trail recreational exercise on a 3/4 mile trail lined with a gravel base. This trail is ideal for both walkers and bicyclists. This trail connects Deer Boulevard with Chief White Crane Recreation Area and winds through four loops of the campground.
            When visiting any of the three state recreation areas near Yankton, be sure to check out the numerous recreational opportunities that exist on the area trails. Young and old, bird watcher or jogger – there is something for everyone!

Lance Catron is an assistant park manager at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, near Yankton.