When Hezekiah Smith acquired the Greek revival mansion that sits at the center of the park that bears his name, he tried to provide some niceties for the folks that worked in his factory. Many of those niceties still remain – namely the gardens and park that surround the mansion.

When you visit, start out at the mansion. Tours are offered at various times through the week. Then perch yourself at one of the picnic tables and spend the day exploring the park’s 280 acres. The original factory complex – it started out as a cotton production factory but was later re-fitted to be a bicycle and woodworking factory – still stands which adds a nice historic touch to the Park.

And what a nice park it is. Launch your canoe from the canoe ramp and spend time paddling around Smithville Lake. If you remember to bring it, you can use your rod and reel here for fishing.

From the observation deck, everyone can enjoy views of the wetlands, meadows and upland forests. And we mean everyone. The Park earned the Innovative Accessible Recreation Facility Award and people who use wheelchairs to get around will be able to explore the grounds, too.

With almost 4 ½ miles of trails, you can hike or bike along all kinds of terrain. Some of it is a bit of a challenge, while other parts of the trails are flat and easy. Probably the most unusual, and certainly the most stunning, trail is the floating trail, a wooden structure that continues the land-based trails right over the wetlands so you can see all the wildlife up close.

During the winter months, join the snowshoers and cross country skiers who challenge themselves on the snowy trails. And if you happen to have a stallion hanging around at home, you can bring him along and follow the yellow markers – that’s the equestrian trail. Park your trailer at the Smith’s Woods area access and saddle up.