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Ruby Jack Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Carthage, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ruby Jack Trail'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.
Recreational trail good for hikers and cyclists, plus runners and walkers.
What runners say about Ruby Jack Trail
Has at least 4 different trails. Has an old railroad track trail that we went down.
Very nice, easy to walk trail. The only downfall was shortly into the walk there were 2 german shepherds lose, from one of the houses by the trail. We had our 2 dogs with us so that was a little scary but overall the trail is great!
This is a good little trail. The trail bed was mostly fine chat and sand. Easy to ride over and not boggy where it was damp. Our out and back ride from the Carthage trail head was about 26 miles and 3 hours long. A lot of areas to park along the route and several benches to sit and rest, birdwatch, or have a snack.
I bike this trail on the regular. It's pretty smooth. The crossings have almost no traffic, and it gives you a real country vibe. My only complaint is that there are no water stations. I'd have given it 5 stars if it did.
Trail conditions & character
“There were no restrooms on this trail, but at Carthage and Carl Junction, there were restrooms nearby.”
Plan your run at Ruby Jack Trail
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 trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitejoplintrailscoalition.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Carthage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Walnut Bottoms Trail
2.8 ★★★☆☆ 23 reviews
Spring River Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
Local park offering picnic and barbecue areas, plus a place for fishing.
Ruby Jack Trail - Grant St. Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
King Jack Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,891 reviews
Sprawling park with a splash pad, playground and walking trains, plus soccer fields and picnic tables.
