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Ward Branch Greenway Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Running trail in Springfield, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ward Branch Greenway Trailhead'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.
Scenic green space with trails for walking, running and biking along a creek.
What runners say about Ward Branch Greenway Trailhead
“There's owls, there's deer and some magnificent sycamores with huge exposed root systems that go out into the clean running creek.”
“It goes along a beautiful fast running creek that has beautiful trees and ledges rocks, and even some small caves with water running out.”
“Plenty of shade, you could even take your bike on this trail, but you may miss some of the finer points with this trailhead.”
“Great peaceful place for a nice leisurely stroll.”
This trail is good for walking. The creek has so many little different entrances it almost makes each unquie. A bike can be used but you would miss alot. Great in the evening@@!!
Probably one of my top three spots in Springfield. It's really low-key, it's beautiful, you're guaranteed to see some wildlife. There's a paved walking trail that meanders along the ward branch. It's actually the site of an old farmstead that was donated to the city to be used as public land.
Really beautiful trails and scenery, and the river runs right beside the trails. We, along with our dog, Karleigh, love it.
We had a nice peaceful walk this morning...not many people and love walking along the creek with our fur babies.
Trail conditions & character
“It goes along a beautiful fast running creek that has beautiful trees and ledges rocks, and even some small caves with water running out.”
“It is well maintained and has a wide asphalt walkway, which is great for walking, biking, or walking your dog.”
“Plenty of shade, you could even take your bike on this trail, but you may miss some of the finer points with this trailhead.”
“Plenty of shade, you could even take your bike on this trail, but you may miss some of the finer points with this trailhead.”
“The trail itself is very level so it’s great for young kids on their bikes and scooters.”
“It is well maintained and has a wide asphalt walkway, which is great for walking, biking, or walking your dog.”
“Great peaceful place for a nice leisurely stroll.”
Plan your run at Ward Branch Greenway Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(417) 719-8644
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 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.
Tal's Trailhead Wilson's Creek Greenway Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
Paved pathway for bikers and walkers to view scenery, plus wildlife.
Rotary Park
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Recreational site featuring baseball, tennis, and basketball courts, plus soccer fields, and a playground.
Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 4,735 reviews
20+ landscaped botanical gardens, with BBQ/picnic areas, a lake & a native butterfly house.
