[two_third last=”no”]

[title size=”2″]Frisco Highline Trail[/title]

The Frisco Highline Trail, which connects Springfield to Bolivar, is the second longest rail-trail in Missouri. The trail follows the route that President Harry Truman rode in his private railroad car during his 1948 “whistlestop” campaign for re-election. While the railroad tracks and stations have disappeared, the trail makes its way through the same forested woods and meadows as Truman’s railroad car did more than sixty years ago, crossing over sixteen bridges along its 35-mile expanse. The Frisco Highline Trail is open during daylight hours (check operating hours), and water and restrooms are only available at the Bolivar trailhead and at the city pool in Willard across from the trailhead.

No horseback riding, hunting or camping is allowed anywhere along the trail. The trail offers outdoors enthusiasts with views of scenic landscapes and the traditional southwest Missouri lifestyle as it passes through several small towns in Polk and Greene Counties where all visitors are welcomed with open arms. Hikers and bikers are likely to catch glimpses of deer and grazing cattle in the pastures alongside the trail. The route passes by the historic mineral pools at Graydon Springs, winding over the Little Sac River down the road at the 23-mile mark, refreshing visitors with cool breezes and a picturesque view. The Frisco Highline Trail also crosses paths with the Transamerica Trail at the Walnut Grove Trailhead, which is just shy of marking the trail’s halfway point. Visitors should not miss La Petite Gemme Prairie, one of the last natural prairies in the Springfield-Bolivar region. If your timing is right, you might catch a glimpse of the blooming prairie plants, including the unusual prairie turnip.

[/two_third]

[one_third last=”yes”]

Trail Location

Various trailheads in Springfield, Willard, Walnut Grove, Wishart and Bolivar. The trailhead in Springfield is located on West Kearney Street and Eldon Rd., just west of US-160 (West Bypass).

Activity type: Walking, running, hiking, biking, skating (on paved sections)

Trail Length: 35 miles

Trail type: 2/3 of trail is compact crushed gravel. 8 mile paved section from Springfield to Willard. Easy to moderate

Trailhead location(s): Springfield Trailhead (mile marker 0), Willard Trailhead (mile marker 6), Walnut Grove Trailhead (mile marker 16), Wishart Trailhead (mile marker 24), Bolivar Trailhead (mile marker 35).

[/one_third]