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Thousand Hills State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,116 Google reviews · Running trail in Kirksville, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Thousand Hills State 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.
Multiple recreation options centered around a 573-acre lake popular for boating, fishing & swimming.
What runners say about Thousand Hills State Park
“Well kept trails (that include panels every few feet featuring a gunny story about difgernwt animals and their poo), cabins, and parking area.”
“Not sure why they close early now :/ either way the lake is beautiful and the beach is really nice.”
We had such an amazing time at 1,000 Hills that we booked next year's visit before we left. The cabins were clean and well stocked. The views are spectacular. Food at the restaurant far exceeded our expectations. The hiking trails are clearly marked. We rented a pontoon boat and had a picnic lunch on the lake.
Such a beautiful place to visit. Lots of trails, beautiful scenery, plenty of things to do. The lake is gorgeous!! The park is clean, and well taken care of. I have lots of fond memories there. There are so many picnic areas and shelters available, and they are spread out far enough to give a sense of almost privacy.
Backpacker to the backcountry campsite. Spent 2 nights at the park and got alot of hiking in. The trail is rated "Hard" it very well could be but certainly an awesome trail.
Very nice park. Great bike trail that is about 5 miles long. Nice lake, marina, hiking trails. The campground is very nice. Updated bathrooms and shower houses.
Trail conditions & character
“Not sure why they close early now :/ either way the lake is beautiful and the beach is really nice.”
“We stayed at this park in early April right after the bathrooms and shower houses opened up.”
Plan your run at Thousand Hills State Park
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 — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemostateparks.com
- Phone+1 660-665-6995
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
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