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Nelson Lake
4.1 ★★★★☆ 287 Google reviews · Running trail in Lebanon, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nelson Lake'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 with a calm vibe featuring walking trails along a pond and a playground.
What runners say about Nelson Lake
“The sports facility is a modern addition to the community, featuring well-maintained soccer and baseball fields that provide a great experience for players and spectators.”
“A really good place to sit & be quiet for a while.”
I fish here daily. I’ve caught tons of bluegill, catfish and a few bass. Paved walking trail around the lake that is lit up at night. No restrooms. There are plenty of picnic tables but most of them have fish bait dried on them… so I’d bring a tablecloth if planning to actually eat at table.
The sports facility is a modern addition to the community, featuring well-maintained soccer and baseball fields that provide a great experience for players and spectators. Visitors have access to various amenities, including a convenient concession stand for enjoying snacks and refreshments during games.
Nice walking paths that even have the distance marked for you if you're keeping track. Lovely pond where wildlife like geese hang out (please DON'T EVER feed bread to geese!). Very photogenic area. Trees are labeled with signs at the edge of the paths to identify them.
Great place to go & let your kids play. A really good place to sit & be quiet for a while. Has a walking track too. My wife & I like to walk here.
Trail conditions & character
“A really good place to sit & be quiet for a while.”
“Paved walking trail around the lake that is lit up at night.”
“Everything was great investment in a second set of bathrooms with that many people there.”
“The rivers around here isn't accessible for those in scooters.”
“Paved walking trail around the lake that is lit up at night.”
Plan your run at Nelson Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- 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 — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelebanonmissouri.org
- Phone+1 417-991-2222
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near Lebanon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mercy Hospital Walking Trail
4 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Harke Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 264 reviews
Suburban park with a large pavilion, 0.5-mile trail, soccer field, playground & BBQ & picnic area.
Atchley Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 652 reviews
Park with a walking path, playground & 18-hole disc-golf course, plus picnic shelters & ball fields.
Bennett Spring State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,143 reviews
Serious trout fishing in a stocked stream, plus camping, hiking, canoeing & a rustic dining lodge.
