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Little Prairie Conservation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 340 Google reviews · Running trail in Rolla, Missouri · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 3.6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Little Prairie Conservation Area'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.
Relaxed, 3-mile-plus area with a trail-laced park, offering lake fishing & picnicking.
What runners say about Little Prairie Conservation Area
“However, it's worth mentioning that there are two concrete port-a-potties along the way, although I must admit, they were not as well-kept as one would hope.”
“One thing to note, during late summer and early fall, the trail is adorned with beautiful wildflowers, which is truly a sight to behold.”
“Spent hours there last night only one other person, very peaceful and a great place to relax and do some thinking.”
Neat little area. Looks like you can take your boat here and fish. I went for a walk along one of the cut paths. There are two parking lots for this place - the one google maps brings you to doesn't have much around it, so I suggest going to the other one.
This is a lovely conservation area to explore. We first visited in early spring so there weren't any flowers or much foliage, but even then we saw beautiful scenery. We made it a point to return when we were passing through Rolla in the summer, and were satisfied that our first impression was correct.
Nice walking trails and probably the longest one around this neck of the woods. Haven't done any fishing here yet, but that will change and I will update over time how it is
Check yo self for ticks after hike walk around the whole lake.. it’s a real thing. Watch for hiking signs. There are at least 12 or 13 of them. Nice place to boat, and fish. If you like that kind of thing.
Trail conditions & character
“One thing to note, during late summer and early fall, the trail is adorned with beautiful wildflowers, which is truly a sight to behold.”
“There are two parking lots for this place - the one google maps brings you to doesn't have much around it, so I suggest going to the other one.”
“Spent hours there last night only one other person, very peaceful and a great place to relax and do some thinking.”
“However, it's worth mentioning that there are two concrete port-a-potties along the way, although I must admit, they were not as well-kept as one would hope.”
Plan your run at Little Prairie Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance3.6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemdc.mo.gov
- Phone(417) 256-7161
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–10 PM |
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