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Happy Rock Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in Gladstone, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1.3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Happy Rock 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.
Clean park, known for its playgrounds and well-kept trails.
What runners say about Happy Rock Park
“The park is very spacious and well-maintained, with plenty of activities for everyone.”
“Spanning nearly 80 acres, Happy Rock Park is known for its well cared for walking and fitness trails, including a scenic 1.”
“Lots of benches around the park, a decent amount of shade, nice and breezy today because it's all flat.”
“3 mile fitness trail that circles the park, which was perfect for walking our dog.”
I had a wonderful time at Happy Rock Park with my friends. The park is very spacious and well-maintained, with plenty of activities for everyone. We enjoyed playing tennis, soccer, and basketball on the lighted courts and fields. The kids loved the playgrounds and the spray ground. The park also has a 1.
Nice walking trail on east.. 1 Mile around' or 1.5 miles if you take the jog off and back.. tennis courts, basketball.. to the west you can do a long 2.5 mile trail (round trip).. takes you through lots of nice foliage, trees.. great to walk when it's hot.. lots shade
Happy Rock is a large open park with lots of fields for play and nice paved trails a few miles long. We enjoy the soccer nets, basketball hoops, and watching the baseball and tennis players.
Happy Rock Park is truly one of the greatest assets to the surrounding neighborhoods and the entire Gladstone community. Clean, accessible, and extremely well maintained, this park offers something for everyone, whether you are stopping by for a quick walk or planning a full day of outdoor activities with family and…
Trail conditions & character
“3 mile fitness trail that circles the park, which was perfect for walking our dog.”
“Spanning nearly 80 acres, Happy Rock Park is known for its well cared for walking and fitness trails, including a scenic 1.”
“Lots of benches around the park, a decent amount of shade, nice and breezy today because it's all flat.”
“The walking trail is really nice, there's even a small stretch where bikes aren't allowed and the trail is a lot more nature-y while still being stroller friendly.”
“We enjoyed playing tennis, soccer, and basketball on the lighted courts and fields.”
“The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restrooms were clean.”
“3 mile loop that circles the park and is perfect for walkers, runners, and families with strollers.”
Plan your run at Happy Rock Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance1.3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegladstone.mo.us
- Phone+1 816-423-4200
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