HomeMissouriIndependence › Little Blue Trace Trail - Ripley Junction

Little Blue Trace Trail - Ripley Junction

4.5 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Running trail in Independence, Missouri · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Little Blue Trace Trail - Ripley Junction'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.

ScenicFlat & fastTrailhead parking

Park featuring kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as picnic tables.

What runners say about Little Blue Trace Trail - Ripley Junction

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (76 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“That's what makes this great Nation so beautiful¡¡¡¡ We don't have to believe what anyone else wants us too.”

Ok listen I don't normally do this but I'm gonna pour my heart out so to speak. I love historical people,places& things and let me tell y'all it's kinda like a bittersweet memory of a time almost long forgotten.

★★★★★ — Sarah , Oct 2018

I visit every part of this trail, but this cottonwood is absolutely one of my very favorite residents. Not the biggest or baddest, yet a very majestic and noble tree standing sentry over it's dominion.

★★★★★ — Tangy , Jun 2024

Recently discovered this trail. Wow is it great! Perfect for a long walk or a bike ride. Planning on riding this trail more with my bike. Very safe!

★★★★★ — William , Dec 2021

Beautiful walking trail. Great for family walks. Biking, jogging, dog walking, stroller friendly.

★★★★★ — Tristen , Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 76 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 4 mentions

“That's what makes this great Nation so beautiful¡¡¡¡ We don't have to believe what anyone else wants us too.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

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Plan your run at Little Blue Trace Trail - Ripley Junction

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
  • Websitemakeyourdayhere.com
  • Phone+1 816-503-4800

Hours

Monday 6 am–10 pm
Tuesday 6 am–10 pm
Wednesday 6 am–10 pm
Thursday 6 am–10 pm
Friday 6 am–10 pm
Saturday 6 am–10 pm
Sunday 6 am–10 pm

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 Little Blue Trace Trail - Ripley Junction

Independence, Missouri

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.

Little Blue Trace Trailhead North endpoint

4.6 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

Independence, MO

Mixed

Park with walking and biking trails, some paved and some gravel.

1.0 miles away

Little Blue Trace County Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 115 reviews

Independence, MO

MixedScenic

Scenic path winding through parks, with picnic tables, for hikers and cyclists.

1.0 miles away

George Owens Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 595 reviews

Independence, MO

PavedScenic

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

4.2 miles away

LaBenite Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 534 reviews

Independence, MO

Scenic

Scenic park bordering the Missouri River featuring hiking trails and picnic tables.

4.6 miles away

Liberty Bend Trail Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Independence, MO

PavedScenicDog-friendly

4.6 miles away

Little Blue Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews

Independence, MO

MixedScenic

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

5.0 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.