Home › Missouri › Independence › Little Blue Trail
Little Blue Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 129 Google reviews · Running trail in Independence, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Little Blue Trail'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.
Park featuring a trail for hikers, bikers, and runners.
What runners say about Little Blue Trail
“Fairly well maintained crushed rock trail that follows along the Little Blue River in the Independence/Blue Springs area.”
“Beautiful trail to walk, took my pup and my brother who is rehabbing from a stroke.”
“There are mile markers every .”
“This is a nice quiet trail to go for a jog but it gets super sloppy when it's wet.”
I was pleasantly surprised about this trail. it is well kept with some good scenery. it is also possible to park in the lot behind the bar Saints across from QuikTrip. I only went three or four miles but it looks like the whole trail is 15 long.
Beautiful trail end to end. It's really a treasure for eastern Jackson county.
There was ample parking and the trail was very well maintained. The path consisted of a crushed rock so it wasn't muddy at all. The path was wide enough for people to pass easily. The grass is also mowed back a few feet on either side which cuts down on the bugs. There are mile markers every .
This trail is mostly gravel and VERY flat. There are some concrete sections that replaced the gravel due to erosion. The trail follows the Little Blue River. The entire trail from end to end is a little less than 16 miles with several bridges that cross the river.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trail to walk, took my pup and my brother who is rehabbing from a stroke.”
“There was ample parking and the trail was very well maintained.”
“This is a nice quiet trail to go for a jog but it gets super sloppy when it's wet.”
“It would be nice if it were all paved because the bike tires make giant ruts after rains from the bike riders.”
“This trail is mostly gravel and VERY flat.”
“Only bad thing they have port a potties instead of a real bathroom, but its better than nothing.”
Plan your run at Little Blue Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitemakeyourdayhere.com
- Phone(816) 503-4800
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 - Hartman Heritage Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
Scenic 17-mile park featuring biking paths and trails for running, hiking and walking.
George Owens Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 595 reviews
Charming year-round park featuring over 80-acres of wooded trails, lakes, rain gardens & wildlife.
Clothier Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 227 reviews
Relaxed park, popular with families, offering a playground and exercise equipment.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,574 reviews
Natural preserve of forest, native grass, prairie & ponds, attracting birders, hikers & hunters.
Waterfall Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 251 reviews
Peaceful park, featuring a playground and a pond with ducks.