Easy Bike Trails in Southwest Missouri

Frisco Highline Trail

Between North Springfield and Bolivar
Trail type: Paved & gravel
Payoff: Scenic rail-trail, historic stops
Choose your favorite section or ride the entire 35-mile trail between Springfield and Bolivar for a scenic rural experience along the old Frisco Highline railroad. Ride roughly eight paved miles between Kearney Street and Willard trailheads for the easiest outing. The new Willard outpost, Mile 6 Taproom, makes a fun, thirst-quenching trailside stop with indoor and outdoor seating.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Off Missouri 86 in Lampe
Trail type: Paved
Payoff: Waterfalls, scenic stops, other activities
Bring your bike or rent one to ride the six-mile out-and-back trail at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. The 10,000-acre manicured park with an entry fee ($12.50-$20 single day) makes a great day trip with breathtaking waterfalls, dining, a museum and other activities including trout fishing, guided tours and more.

Galloway Creek Greenway

Along Lone Pine Avenue near Sequiota Park
Trail type: Paved
Payoff: Galloway Village shops, dining, breweries
This popular north-south trail between Pershing Middle School and the James River Greenway runs along Galloway Village, packed with reasons to stop along the way. Sequiota Park on Lone Pine Avenue—with a lake, cave, picnic areas and more—is a great place to start or pause your ride. End your outing with a meal at Galloway Grill or a craft beer at 4 By 4 Brewing Company.

South Creek Greenway

Between McDaniel Park and Tal’s Trailhead at Kaufman Road
Trail type: Paved
Payoff: Springfield Botanical Gardens, Drummond Lake, Horton Smith Golf Course
Much of this trail is level but expect a few hills. Plan to start your ride at the Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park to include visits at the Roston Native Butterfly House, Drummond Lake, Gray/Campbell Farmstead and Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. Ride from McDaniel Park to cross the bridge on Campbell Avenue.

Fulbright Spring Greenway

Northeast Springfield near Missouri 13
Trail type: Paved
Payoff: Scenic rural parks, creek views, historic structures
This beautiful seven-mile trail connects two rural, scenic parks—Ritter Springs and Lost Hill—and ends at Truman Elementary School. One good spot to start is the David C. Murray Trailhead near the South Dry Sac River. Ride west toward Ritter Springs or east along the newest trail section toward Lost Hill, a lovely place to stop and explore.

Table Rock Lakeshore Trail

Table Rock State Park, Branson
Trail type: Paved
Payoff: Lake views, marina, Dewey Short Visitor Center
This family-friendly two-mile path hugs Table Rock Lake between the state park’s marina and the Dewey Short Visitor Center. You might even see the Showboat Branson Belle sail by. There are several spots along the trail to park and go. Don’t miss the visitor center to learn more about the lake through interactive nature and history exhibits.