3 Best Hiking Trails in Springfield, MO

“Doling Park is an ideal destination for hiking and picnicking and covers over 56 acres. The park enhances pedestrian access with walking paths and trails that circle the lake and lead to the Giboney Cave Reserve. This nature area is the perfect mix of history, geology, and exploration, providing a range of family-friendly activities. There's a pleasant walking path around the pond and another path through a wooded area. Doling Park also features tennis courts, a skating rink, and an indoor pool. The park also includes an aquatics center, horseshoes, a museum, picnic shelters, and a spacious playground for visitors.”

“Springfield Conservation Nature Center features two main hiking trails with elevation gains ranging from 75 to 147 feet. The longer trail offers a mix of hills, beautiful foliage, and open fields. The trails provide access to a beautiful natural area near an urban setting and feature a nature center with numerous exhibits. The nature center includes a self-guided exhibit area, gift shop, 150-seat auditorium, classrooms, and restrooms for visitor convenience. They also offer free educational opportunities for all ages. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center includes six hiking trails that span 80 acres of forests, fields, creeks, and shoreline along Lake Springfield. The center provides free parking, wheelchair accessibility, picnic tables, and public restrooms for added comfort.”

“Valley Water Mill Park features a one-mile hiking trail around the lake, water. and stream-side learning stations, and an outdoor classroom pavilion. This 2.3-mile loop trail is generally considered easy and takes about 45 minutes to complete. It's an ideal spot for hiking, running, and walking. The park’s trails include crossover bridges and small meandering creeks, with benches and picnic tables along the route for resting. Additional amenities include public restrooms, family-friendly hikes, and wheelchair accessibility. This is a great spot to have a pleasant and relaxed time with family and friends.”