HomeMissouriIndependence › George Owens Nature Park

George Owens Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 595 Google reviews · Running trail in Independence, Missouri · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from George Owens Nature Park'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.

PavedScenicQuiet

Charming year-round park featuring over 80-acres of wooded trails, lakes, rain gardens & wildlife.

What runners say about George Owens Nature Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (595 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Wonderful park with lot of ongoing activities and passionate employees who help keep it welcoming and beautiful.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 7 mentions

“We went on the Butterfly Trail and enjoyed the peaceful beauty.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“This is a great place to get a little family friendly hiking/walking/fishing done.”

This is a sweet little spot! This would definitely be a place to let kids get tired! It's got plenty of easy paths and trails; decide on dirt or paved. Great little picnic areas and fishing spots on two small yet lovely lakes.

★★★★★ — Tangy , Aug 2023

The trails here are an absolute delight! As I wandered along their winding paths, I couldn't help but feel transported back to the heart of Georgia country, enveloped by the serenity of the wilderness. It was as though I had found my way home. I will undoubtedly return to this haven of tranquility in the near future.

★★★★★ — Enchantress , Nov 2023

Great place for a hike with the kids. They enjoyed the snakes and turtles in the nature center and looking for frogs by the lake shore. No crowds and there are plenty of tables/benches throughout the park. Plenty of beautiful nature views. Several Paved and unpaved trails to enjoy.

★★★★★ — Sheepdog14 , Mar 2025

Love this little place. Hidden in plain sight, this small nature sanctuary is a perfect place to slip away to to get some fresh air. It has a shelter house for those days you want to picnic with the family, and a small lake for getting your water scenery fix or to toss in a line.

★★★★★ — Dennis , Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 595 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Wonderful park with lot of ongoing activities and passionate employees who help keep it welcoming and beautiful.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 8 mentions

“It has a nature center that is a Must see, 2 little lakes, several not too long paved and unpaved trails the woods.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 8 mentions

“We went on the Butterfly Trail and enjoyed the peaceful beauty.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at George Owens Nature Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • Websiteci.independence.mo.us
  • Phone+1 816-325-7115

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:30 am–5 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am–5 pm
Thursday 8:30 am–5 pm
Friday 8:30 am–5 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–5 pm
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find George Owens Nature Park

1601 S Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057

Get directions

Running trails near Independence

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Clothier Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 227 reviews

Independence, MO

Relaxed park, popular with families, offering a playground and exercise equipment.

1.1 miles away

Little Blue Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews

Independence, MO

MixedScenic

Park featuring a trail for hikers, bikers, and runners.

2.0 miles away

Carriage Hills Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 61 reviews

Independence, MO

25 mi

2.9 miles away

Little Blue Trace - Hartman Heritage Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 77 reviews

Independence, MO

MixedScenic

Scenic 17-mile park featuring biking paths and trails for running, hiking and walking.

3.0 miles away

Waterfall Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 251 reviews

Independence, MO

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Peaceful park, featuring a playground and a pond with ducks.

3.3 miles away

Lipton Conservation Area

4.2 ★★★★☆ 46 reviews

Independence, MO

PavedDog-friendly

3.7 miles away

All running trails in Independence, MO →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.