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North Jefferson City Recreation Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 154 Google reviews · Running trail in Jefferson City, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from North Jefferson City Recreation 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.
Park with a pavilion, ball fields and a playground. Also featuring swings, slides, and a boat launch.
What runners say about North Jefferson City Recreation Area
“Super fun, super clean both the park, The Pavilion, and the bathrooms.”
This area is close to the Katy Trail and has plenty of wide open space for many activities. There is a pavilion and new playground located on site. Seasonal maintained and operated bathroom facilities are available.
This is my regular route when I want to just refresh my mind. I enjoy going across the bridge, the flow of water makes my mind relax. Sometimes I jog around the Jefferson City North Park. It's friendly
Great lil park , walking trail and picnic area with a great view of the State Capitol and a boat ramp into the Missouri River !!! 👍 Great place to bring the whole family 🙂
Cute little playground. Our son is only 17 months old, so not ready yet to run around on the equipment, so wish there was more options for smaller kids.
Trail conditions & character
“Super fun, super clean both the park, The Pavilion, and the bathrooms.”
“I liked that the water fountain at the pavilion also had a spout to fill water bottles.”
Plan your run at North Jefferson City Recreation Area
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 trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitejcparks.com
- Phone(573) 634-6482
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Jefferson City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Katy Trail - North Jefferson City Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 233 reviews
Section of 238-mi. state park trail along a former railroad, popular with cyclists, hikers & riders.
Clay Street Trailhead Plaza
4.6 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Park featuring kid-friendly hikes, as well as a bridge and a trailhead for the Katy Trail.
Greenway Dunklin Street Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 19 reviews
Jefferson City Greenway Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 7 reviews