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Trail of Tears State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 961 Google reviews · Running trail in Jackson, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Trail of Tears 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.
The visitor center tells the history of this site, which now offers camping, fishing & hiking.
What runners say about Trail of Tears State Park
“I couldn't see much of the river at the end due to the trees but the trail itself was clean and easy to follow.”
“It was beautiful watching the ice flow down the Mississippi River with the colorful barges going up and down the river.”
“I couldn't see much of the river at the end due to the trees but the trail itself was clean and easy to follow.”
“***there isnt anywhere to wash sand off before getting into your vehicle*** we got our kayaks out and fished for several hours very peaceful and not crowded.”
Nice park just wish there were more memorials to the people who created the namesake of the park. So much history but I only found 1 memorial at the park (Visitors center is not open over winter months). Great place to hike with your dog. Looks like a great place to camp too.
I visited the Park specifically to hike the AllTrails Trail of Tears State Park Nature Trail and found a nice natural trail through woods that is accessible just behind the Park's visitor center. Challenges presented on 10/08/25 were lots of leaves obscuring some tricky roots to avoid.
How could you not rate this place well. I've only done part of Peewah trail but I did that some months ago and I loved it. Last week I did Sheppard Point which I also really enjoyed! I couldn't see much of the river at the end due to the trees but the trail itself was clean and easy to follow.
The welcome center exhibits were very well-cared for, the trails were a great mix of challenging and relaxing, and the lake was being enjoyed by several families when I was just there. Would highly recommend going on a day where the water is clear because the fish will swim right up to you!
Trail conditions & character
“We were in spot #9 which allowed the view of the Mississippi River out our back window which thrilled our granddaughter who had never seen 'ole Muddy!”
“We were in spot #9 which allowed the view of the Mississippi River out our back window which thrilled our granddaughter who had never seen 'ole Muddy!”
“***there isnt anywhere to wash sand off before getting into your vehicle*** we got our kayaks out and fished for several hours very peaceful and not crowded.”
Plan your run at Trail of Tears State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- Websitemostateparks.com
- Phone(573) 290-5268
Running trails near Jackson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
I. R. Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary area
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Cape Rock Park
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Kiwanis Park
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55-acre green space with a dog park, fishing pond & ball field, plus playgrounds & picnic pavilions.
Dennis Scivally Park
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