Home › Missouri › Springfield › Ritter Springs Park
Ritter Springs Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 409 Google reviews · Running trail in Springfield, Missouri · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Ritter Springs Park'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.
Serene forested park, well-maintained paths and dirt trails leading to an open meadow.
What runners say about Ritter Springs Park
“The trails are dirt and gravel but very well maintained.”
“There is a river that runs along the trails and there is a big pond and waterfall as well very beautiful place.”
“I love this park it is very peaceful there and they have trails to walk and archery range as well.”
“Suitable for all ages, although non-motorized wheelchairs may be hampered by the moderate grades.”
This is such a wonderful trail for small children or beginners. it's about 2.5 miles or 45 min. The weather was nice, the paths are wide and the trail itself consist of 2 trails. One trail is in and out and the second is a loop. There's also a park and bike path.
While driving there, it said to keep driving but they had a gate up right after the park so you will have to walk the rest of the way unless you reserve a spot beyong the point i think. Walking the gravel down, you will see some spots off track where you can see the water streams. Super cute.
Another Springfield-Greene County Parks gem. Beautiful rolling hills with groomed gravel and some paved (Greenway Trail) paths. There are restrooms, playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a small lake, a pavillion, and even a sand volleyball court and archery range.
We love this park! It's rarely busy. The waterfall and bridges are cool to look at. My boys love the cannon and playground. The trails are dirt and gravel but very well maintained. Great place to get out in nature and explore!
Trail conditions & character
“There is a river that runs along the trails and there is a big pond and waterfall as well very beautiful place.”
“You can walk on paved pathways or on grassy trails, which is great, especially if you have dogs.”
“Tons of trails, some that are gravel and others that are nicely mowed dirt trails through the woods.”
“I love this park it is very peaceful there and they have trails to walk and archery range as well.”
“You can walk on paved pathways or on grassy trails, which is great, especially if you have dogs.”
Plan your run at Ritter Springs Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparkboard.org
- Phone(417) 864-1049
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Springfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sac River Mountain Bike Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
Park featuring various walking and biking trails.
David C. Murray Park Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
Kid-friendly park with creekside hikes as well as paved, wooded, riverside trails and meadows.
Lost Hill Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 645 reviews
Wooded park for walking, cycling and dog-walking, plus playgrounds, a creek, caves and picnic facilities.
Fulbright Spring Greenway Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews
Frisco Highline Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 202 reviews
Kid-friendly, flat hiking and biking trail running from Springfield to Bolivar.
Doling Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,134 reviews
Relaxed, sprawling park offering picnic facilities, trails and an indoor pool as well as a cave.