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Cardinal Valley Trail Head
3.7 ★★★★☆ 20 Google reviews · Running trail in Carterville, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cardinal Valley Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cardinal Valley Trail Head
“Trail is easy to follow, though it's also very "natural".”
Decent little loop for a run or hike. Barely any elevation change but some rocky sections and all under canopy. About 2 miles of trail overall but you can keep looping and get more in.
So glad for more local hiking opportunities. This was a nice little trail, and the stream to the west of the trail was so pretty.
Lovely place to walk and enjoy nature. Nice little trails. Some are a little rocky, so be careful.
You'll find the Cardinal Valley area by going in the small gravel driveway/ parking lot just west of the railroad tracks. The first part of the trail is quite smooth, wide, and easy. Then you'll come to a loop and the terrain is a little more rocky in some areas.
Trail conditions & character
“Then you'll come to a loop and the terrain is a little more rocky in some areas.”
“Then you'll come to a loop and the terrain is a little more rocky in some areas.”
Plan your run at Cardinal Valley Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Carterville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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