Trail Guide for Stockton Lake Area

The Stockton Lake area has developed a modest number of trails for hiking, mountain biking, running, horse back riding, and kayaking/small watercraft. The closest hiking trails to the cabin are near Greenfield at Hulston Mill Trail and Corry Branch Glade as well as the three trails at Stockton State Park. Our property at Mutton Creek Getaway is bordered by a short trail to an 1800s-era cemetery.

For more information about trails provided by the Stockton Trails Initiative Coalition (STIC), see this link.

Hiking Trails

My favorite hiking trail so far is the Kids Fishing Pond, an easy woodsy loop located near the Stockton Lake dam. The short kid-friendly trail features art sculptures as part of the N.E.A.T (Nature Education Art Trail).
The trail head at the Stockton Lake dam visitor center features “The Eagle” art sculpture.
The Umber Ridge Trail offers an easy, level 90-minute trek that is appropriate for hiking and biking.
Umber Ridge trail is a well-worn path through the shady woods near Stockton Lake State Park and North Shelter Beach.
Estimated at six hours to complete, the Lakeview Trail follows the shoreline of Stockton Lake and provides views of the water as well as opportunity to observe bald eagles in winter months.
Taking about a half-hour to complete, the Nyblad Trail is an easy half-mile trail.
Take a break and enjoy the serene views while on the trails in the Stockton Lake area.
Right there at the Mutton Creek Getaway, guests can walk 1/2 mile down the seldom-trekked East Dade 42 lane, which ends with a historical cemetery with markers dated as far back as the 1700’s.
The Friend Cemetery at the end of the East Dade 42 lane holds several markers for the Friend family members, this one with central figures of the Friend family.
Embark on a historical journey and uncover the fascinating origins of the Divine and Friend families, along with the captivating stories behind the markers found in the local cemeteries. See our history guide.

Equestrian Trails

The Missouri Equestrian Trail Guide lists two trails for the Stockton Lake area:

  • Rudledge Bluff Overlook Trail: 18 miles, located at Orleans and Hawker Point, featuring a wooded trail, lake views, and a scenic bluff overlook; primitive camping is available at both trailheads with restrooms, showers, hitching posts, picnic tables, and a dump station; call 417-276-3113 for more information.
  • Stockton Lake Trail: 14 miles, located at Hulston Mill/Dade County Historical Society and Campground, featuring a wooded trail and lake views; developed campground is available with electricity, restrooms, showers, hitching posts, a picnic shelter, and a dump station; call 417-895-6880 or 417-424-3410 for more information.
Hulstead Historical Park near Greenfield, Mo. features a playground, historical buildings, a picnic shelter, hiking and horse trails, public bathrooms, a campground, and a shower house.

Water Trails

The Stockton Lake area offers at least 10 locations for maneuvering small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and small fishing vessels. Below are the details for the kayak trail marked at Stockton Lake State Park. See our water guide for other creeks, marina coves, and rivers for paddling.

The 6.75-mile water trail begins at Stockton Lake State Park Marina.
The blue line around the peninsula indicates the Stock Lake Water Trail.
Sailboats at Stockton State Park Marina are the first attraction of the water trail.
The trail skirts the shore line and offers spectacular views of bluffs and a variety of terrain.
Bluffs feature layers of limestone and other rock formations.
Mile markers guide paddlers along the water trail course.
The water trail rounds the peninsula and then under the Hwy 215 bridge.
The North Shelter Beach offers a stop along the water trail with flushing toilets and picnic tables if paddlers are willing to scale the steep bank with well-worn path.
The take out at the end of the route at Hartley Cove offers a convenient boat ramp with vehicle access.

After a day of hitting the trails, relax at the firepit at Mutton Creek Getaway or inside the roomy 2-bedrrom, 2-bath fully furnished vacation rental property. Leave behind the typical hotel routine and treat yourself to the comfort of an entire cabin. Whether you’re seeking a serene week-long retreat or a revitalizing weekend escape, our accommodates provide a tranquil and refreshing experience, complete with a variety of cozy amenities.

Experience the comforts of home with a cozy firepit and complimentary wood, spacious front and back covered decks, inviting porch swings, hummingbird feeders, a complimentary coffee bar, a fully equipped kitchen, a collection of Xbox games, a variety of DVDs, an assortment of board games and puzzles, a selection of reading material, and an array of additional amenities to elevate your stay.

Nestled in a little patch of woods, Mutton Creek Getaway is located just four miles from Mutton Creek Marina and also close to the Greenfield boat access.

We recommend checking the availability of dates for Mutton Creek Getaway; for your peace of mind, we use trusted booking platforms Airbnb and VRBO.