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TheFlyingMoth t1_iu8y0qq wrote

AllTrails app is a lifesaver, you can filter by preferences and it’s free unless you want offline mode

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teamhj t1_iu903h9 wrote

Head up to Fellows Lake. There are both hiking and mountain biking trail options.

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Proud-Event-4910 t1_iu90au2 wrote

Ritter Springs just north of town or Busiek state park south of Ozark

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teamhj t1_iu92uui wrote

There are some dedicated hiking trails to avoid the mountain bike traffic. Google "Fellows Lake Trailhead East" and you'll end up at a little parking lot with a restroom, swing set and dock. There's a sign marking the trailhead. I was under the impression that's a different trail than the MTB route, but I could be wrong. When I have hiked it there was no bike traffic on that trail.

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Quirky_Highlight t1_iu93awm wrote

If you're looking for something pretty wild and rugged, try Cedar Gap between Seymour and Mansfield. You can do it in tennis shoes if they have grip, and it hasn't rained a lot.

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Redditor_PC t1_iu94x93 wrote

The Conservation Nature Center is mostly gravel trails these days.

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robzilla71173 t1_iu965sb wrote

The local conservation areas have good trails. Pleasant Hope and Sac woods are both just north on 13. Compton Hollow is east about 20 miles. It's youth deer season so could be hunters but all 3 are usually uncrowded.

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my_monkeys_fly t1_iu99xx7 wrote

Try lost hill park, I think they may have an unpaved trail. If not them, I know there is one at valley watermill park

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turned_out_normal t1_iu9fc4q wrote

Depending on how much you're willing to drive, Busiek State Forest and Stockton State Park (opposite directions from Springfield) both offer some beautiful scenery and have miles of trails.

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joy_pop t1_iu9tf39 wrote

Maybe there's some overlap but there is separation for a lot of it, there are signs as you go along designating the hiking trail and the Dirt66 trail

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cmiller727 t1_iu9yydw wrote

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield also has a few very easy unpaved trails. I think they range from 1-3 miles. We enjoy them and depending on which one you do there are some old cemeteries hidden in the woods!

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Jimithyashford t1_iua1o43 wrote

There are many. Almost too many to practically list here. But here are my go-tos when I just have a hankering to get out there and haven’t really planned anything.

Immediately in/around town, trails that may be partially paved but have substantial unpaved areas as well. Relatively short, usually only takes about an hour.

Ritter Springs

Nature Center

Lake Springfield

Little further out, totally unpaved, much greater trail length, can spend a whole afternoon easily. Within about 30 mins of town

Busiek wildlife management area

Sac Woods Conservation Area

Big wild rough full day or multi day hikes, hour to two hours away.

Hercules Glade

Glade Top Scenic Trail

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TV_MAGIC t1_iua595x wrote

The path at Valley Watermill Park on the north side is fabulous. Walks around the water and through tree and along creeks. Cool place, easy walk to

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Tow_man94 t1_iuarnsm wrote

Just got back from Busiek State Forest for the last 3 days, love it every time I’m there. Lots of unpaved trail, campgrounds and outdoor gun range as well.

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arcticmischief t1_iucnidy wrote

I live in Ozark, so Busiek is my go-to as it’s only 15 minutes away from me. But I’d drive much further to go there if I had to—it’s an excellent collection of trails with lots of variety.

Agree with this list. Hercules Glades is worth the trip, too.

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