OUTDOOR ADVENTURES – TRAILS
Access to several trails are within a day’s travel of West Plains!
Hiking
If you like to cover ground at your own pace, whether you’re a casual stroller, serious hiker or somewhere in between, we’ve got pathways and trails for you! From short, easy jaunts to more challenging treks on sections of the Ozark Trail and more, there are lots of local excursion opportunities. Here’s a rundown of some of them. They are listed in order of distance from West Plains. (If you’re wanting to get your steps in during inclement weather, walking inside at the West Plains Civic Center is available on most days, depending on event schedule.)
BUTLER CHILDREN’S PARK
Recent renovations at this park owned by the city include a paved walking path around the perimeter. (On the corner of Broadway and Halstead, West Plains.)
GEORGIA WHITE WALKING PARK
Owned by the city, this park is suitable for all. It features a 2.4-mile, blacktopped walking track and greenspace with mild inclines. Well-lit with LED lights, and in a residential neighborhood, it is a good option for any time, including early morning and evening use. (Thornburgh Street, between Minnesota St. and Missouri Ave., West Plains.)
DON WARDEN PARK
City-owned, this small park is home to the West Plains Community Garden and includes mostly shaded, short walking paths which wind through and around the perimeter. (On the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Olden St., West Plains.)
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION REGIONAL OFFICE
Within this 20-acre park, there are short hiking trails that wind through with different configurations possible. The trails feature a variety of grades and inclines and are mostly dirt and gravel. Narrow in some spots, they are not suitable for most wheelchair users or those who have unsure footing. There is an overlook deck that is accessible to all. (551 Joe Jones Blvd., West Plains.)
JMB PARK
While the park’s main attraction is a disc golf course, this city-owned property also features opportunities for walking, with paths that wind through the hilly terrain. Trail expansion and upgrades are currently in development. (From Highway 160 East take BB Highway/St. Louis St. north for 1.3 miles. Entrance to park is on the right. West Plains.)
GALLOWAY CREEK NATURE PARK
This 40-acre tract owned by the city includes mostly gentle-incline and paved walking trails which wind and loop through the park often alongside Galloway Creek. A covered bridge is an additional feature of the trail. Restroom on site. (2804 County Road 1770, West Plains.)
TINGLER PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AREA
This 240-acre nature area is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. There are three maintained looping trails which provide good access to the natural area: the Prairie Trail (1 mile); the Sinkhole Pond Trail (.5 mile); the Woodland Trail (1 mile). Map and directions available at Tingler Prairie Conservation Area on the mdc.gov website.
9 miles From West Plains
From the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 63 in West Plains drive south on Highway 17 for about 6 miles. Turn right onto County Road 9100. Continue for 0.7 mile and turn left on County Road 8100. Drive 1.4 miles to the parking lot on the left.
DEAN DAVIS CONSERVATION AREA
The Missouri Department of Conservation maintains this 172-acre wildlife area which offers hunting opportunities in-season, but also includes a one-mile hiking trail which loops through forested and open areas and around a small fishing pond.
DEAN DAVIS CONSERVATION AREA
The Missouri Department of Conservation maintains this 172-acre wildlife area which offers hunting opportunities in-season, but also includes a one-mile hiking trail which loops through forested and open areas and around a small fishing pond.
10 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 north for 10 miles to County Road 2420. Turn right onto 2420 and continue 0.5 mile to the parking area on the left.
VANDERHOEF MEMORIAL STATE PARK
An approximately mile-long, maintained hiking trail loops through the hardwood forest of this 140-acre state park. The terrain and inclines vary. Accessible restroom facilities available in parking area. Map and directions: Archie and Gracie Vanderhoef Memorial State Forest, mdc.gov.
12 miles From West Plains
From West Plains, take Highway 160 west for 3 miles to State Route JJ. Turn left on JJ and go 8 miles then turn left on County Road 9620. Continue on County Road 9620 for 0.5 mile, then bear right onto County Road 8110. Continue on 8110 for 0.5 mile to the parking area on the left.
