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Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,576 Google reviews · Running trail in Branson, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation 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.
This forested 1,534-acre nature preserve offers self-guided trails, benches & an observation tower.
What runners say about Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
“Great area to walk around with the family and the best scenic view from the tower in branson.”
“Gorgeous shaded trail with an easy walk.”
We had an excellent time here when we visited in early May. I was actually disappointed by the tame hike to the scenic overlook, until we realized that the real trailhead for the more advanced hike is located below a shelter house at the far end of the parking lot.
What a great area! We took our two dogs. We have only done the streamside trail. It's beautiful, it wasn't very busy. It's a somewhat easy trail. It's rocky, lots of tree roots and water on rocks. Wear good shoes and bring some water.
Such a beautiful trail!! We took our kids, and they loved it. They didn’t start complaining about being tired until the end. We took the red, and yellow trails. The water was dried up, but we had fun searching for cool rocks. It had several cool look out spots. Wear comfy shoes, and take water!
Beautiful trail with waterfalls. Lots of early spring wildflowers and butterflies. We hiked the whole trail. Our only regret is that we didn't bring a water bottle. You really need to stay hydrated. The trail is not a "walking path.
Trail conditions & character
“It was a paved path with a cool observation tower with an awesome view, if you don't mind climbing the stairs.”
“" It most certainly is a hiking trail and a walking stick is necessary as there's a lot of loose rock, steep inclines and some are treacherous.”
“Plenty of parking and the trails to the tower are asphalt so even though it had just rained a little bit it was t wet or messy on our shoes and clothes.”
“I would highly recommend to anyone who starting to want to go on more adventurous hikes then just a paved trail (I will be going on the pave trail tomorrow though)”
“Some really rocky and steep parts but fun and mostly shaders nice creek with super clear water to skip rocks in.”
“Towards the right of the parking lot, there are some restrooms and a paved trail to a tower overlook.”
“Short trail, likely stroller friendly, but you’ll have to climb up the tower for the view.”
Plan your run at Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemdc.mo.gov
- Phone+1 417-895-6880
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 4 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 4 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 4 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 4 am–10 pm |
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