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Nature Trails
4.7 ★★★★★ 146 Google reviews · Running trail in Branson, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nature Trails' 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.
Hiking area with kid-friendly paths and a tower offering scenic views.
What runners say about Nature Trails
“The natural trails at Branson are worth the visit if you like nature and picturesque scenery.”
“Dewey Bald Trail was a paved, short, easy hike.”
The waterfall is on the opposite side of the observation tower on the blue trail. Bathrooms are by the observation tower trail. Waterfall is about a mile walk.
The natural trails at Branson are worth the visit if you like nature and picturesque scenery. Loads of parking, some nice informational stands there about the animals, trees, etc. Trails are well maintained and established.
This was something we just stumbled onto. The trails were clearly marked and wonderful get away from the trappings of the Branson thing. I wanted to have my gear and go on a longer hike. The only downside was they kicked us off the property at 7:30pm because the park closes.
The trails were not marked for difficulty levels. The closer you get to the big loop the rougher the terrain gets....making it less kiddo friendly. Beautiful hike...rivals some of our favorites in Arkansas
Trail conditions & character
“The natural trails at Branson are worth the visit if you like nature and picturesque scenery.”
“The paved trail ends at a tower that is not handicap accessible even though the trail is moderate to go through.”
“Loads of parking, some nice informational stands there about the animals, trees, etc.”
“The paved trail ends at a tower that is not handicap accessible even though the trail is moderate to go through.”
“The trail have rocks and tree roots, but our tennis shoes did just fine.”
“The closer you get to the big loop the rougher the terrain gets.”
“The view and observation area on the parking level are lovely.”
Plan your run at Nature Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Branson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
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This forested 1,534-acre nature preserve offers self-guided trails, benches & an observation tower.
White River Balds Natural Area
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362-acre nature preserve with grassy glades, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, wildflowers & streams.
Waterfall Hiking Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 816 reviews
Short natural surface loop trail with a small waterfall and a larger one.
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 758 reviews
140-acre nature park with trails & a waterfall & picnic tables, overlooking Lake Taneycomo.
Stockstill Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 870 reviews
A dog-friendly park with a playground, a baseball field, a creek and a skate park.