Between photography sessions and my own four kids, I’m on these trails all the time. As a Springfield MO maternity, newborn and family photographer, I know parents are often looking for new walking trails in Springfield MO for their family. Springfield, Missouri, has many scenic walking trail options all around the city and outskirts. The Ozark Greenways has made it their mission to provide our community with a multitude of walking trails throughout the city as part of their community outreach program. Their mission is to create trails that are accessible for everyone regardless of age, abilities, or interests.
6 Best Walking Trails in Springfield MO For Families
1. Frisco Trails in Springfield MO
Also, the Frisco Highline Trail is 35 miles of scenic walking trails connecting Springfield to Bolivar, MO, a majority of it paved. This trail is considered mild difficulty due to its flat terrain. The Frisco Highline trail has many points of interest to see along the way! You can view the full list HERE. This trail offers walking and biking trails, local events throughout the year, and even a few places for trailside camping! Best for: families who want a long, flat, stroller-friendly path without leaving town.
2. Springfield Greenway Trail – Walking Trails in Springfield MO
In addition, Ozark Greenway provides a 140+ mile system of multi-use trails with over 75 miles of well-maintained trails built. For a map of the Springfield Greenway Trail System, you can view it HERE. During the summer, we typically will walk on the greenway trails to get us to the best local swimming holes in Springfield MO. A few of our favorite places to start walking is at Valley Watermill to walk and even jump in their nearby creek, Jordan Valley Park to enjoy their fountains, and the Nature Center. Best for: families who want to hop between parks, playgrounds, and creek splash spots all in one walk.
3. Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Additionally, Springfield Conservation Nature Center has over an 80-acre nature reserve and 3 miles of paved walking trails. It is a beautiful trail to walk, bird-watching, and connect with nature. These nature trails also connect to the Greenway Trail system if you want a longer walking trail. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center not only provides walking trails but they encourage bird watching and conservation events to connect families with nature along with their discovery bags to help engage the kids in exploring nature. It is one of our top favorite kids activities to do in Springfield MO.
4. Wilson’s Creek Greenway
Also, Wilson’s Creek Greenway is a 5-mile scenic walking trail that links to South Creek Greenway in southwest Springfield. It is considered mild difficulty due to its paved surface and minimal inclines. It is accessible to walkers, runners, bicyclists, in-line skaters, wheelchairs, and baby strollers. This trail offers many points of interest to see along the way! You can view the full list HERE.
5. Fulbright Spring Greenway
Finally, Fulbright Spring Greenway trail is approximately 7 miles of walking trails. It includes gravel, asphalt, and hard surface throughout the trail. This trail begins at Ritter Springs Park and travels east underneath Highway 13 past David C. Murray Trailhead, Lost Hill Park, and ends at Truman Elementary School. It is considered a moderate walking trail due to steep inclines that follow natural terrain. To find the full list of points of interest, you can view that list HERE.
6. Local Park Trails
In addition, our Springfield Park board does a great job at maintaining all the local walking trails at the park, so they are ready for use. You can view our top favorite parks in Springfield MO HERE.
In conclusion, these are the best walking trails in Springfield MO for your family to enjoy! As a mom of 4 and a Springfield MO family photographer, I’ve walked them all with my own kids — and I’d love to capture your family on one of them.
So, are you looking for a Springfield MO Photographer?
Hello! I’m Jessica, a maternity, newborn, and family photographer in Springfield, MO — and a mom of 4. I make photo sessions easy and fun, even with little ones running in every direction. Kelly & Gerard told me: “She had them smiling the whole time!” — and that was with 3 kids under 5! With 10+ years of experience, my client closet full of beautiful outfits, and my Bump-to-Baby first-year experience, I’ll take care of every detail. For more information, click HERE.
