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Grand Falls
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,895 Google reviews · Running trail in Joplin, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Grand Falls' 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.
Scenic waterfall cascading off a 163-ft.-wide ledge, plus creek pools for swimming & fishing.
What runners say about Grand Falls
“Beautiful place, but the water was definitely not clear nor blue but we also had plenty of rain recently so that could be why.”
“The area offers wonderful parks suitable for children, and the atmosphere was both calm and peaceful.”
Beautiful place, but the water was definitely not clear nor blue but we also had plenty of rain recently so that could be why. Water felt refreshing to walk in but I wouldn’t advise swimming in it because of how fast the currents were.
What a sweet, free spot! This is a little Joplin jewel. A peaceful, cascading waterfall. A calm spot to think. A place for folks to wade in the water or others enjoy fishing. People love natural beauty, and some residents live just down the creek, so being respectful of Grand Falls is a must.
Visiting Grand Falls in Joplin felt like stepping into a jungle adventure. The scenery was absolutely stunning, especially with the lush greenery all around. During our Memorial Day weekend visit, the falls were especially powerful due to heavy rain—an awe-inspiring sight!
Love this place! A lot of space to roam around. It's okay if it's a little busy. Fishing trail off to the right. Watch out for snakes on the trail. Parking on both sides of the street.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place, but the water was definitely not clear nor blue but we also had plenty of rain recently so that could be why.”
“The area offers wonderful parks suitable for children, and the atmosphere was both calm and peaceful.”
“Many flat, semi-smooth rocks allow spots to sit for a snack and take in this special beauty.”
Plan your run at Grand Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitevisitjoplinmo.com
- Phone+1 800-657-2534
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Joplin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
McIndoe Park
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Mercy Park
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Local park featuring walking paths, gazebos, and statues, plus a fountain.
Cunningham Park
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Park with picnic and play areas, a walking trail, basketball courts, a butterfly garden, and a memorial pool.