Frisco Highline Trail

The second longest rail-trail in Missouri, the scenic Frisco Highline Trail runs through the magnificent Ozark Mountains. Stretching out for 36 miles, and featuring 16 picturesque bridge crossings along the way, this is a trail that really showcases some of Missouri's finest natural beauty.

The Frisco Highline Trail connects two large towns; Springfield and Bolivar. While both the Springfield and Bolivar trailheads are located in the heart of each town's historic downtown district, the rest of the trail features rural farmland and fields, with a few smaller towns dotted along the way. You and your pooch are likely to see quite a bit of wildlife on your walk, from rabbit and deer to foxes and squirrels, so be sure to keep hold of that lead tightly if Fido likes to chase any of those animals.

One of the highlights of this trail is La Petite Gemme Prairie, which is just a few miles outside of Bolivar. In English, its name means “Little Gem”, and it is easy to see why. This 37 acre patch of grassland is filled with a colorful array of wildflowers, and is being conserved as a natural habitat for a number of different unique animal species, including coyotes, ornate box turtles and legless lizards.

For those who are driving to the Frisco Highline Trail, parking can be found at both ends of the trail, along with restrooms and a water fountain. There are not many additional water fountains along this trail, so be sure to fill up some empty bottles for both of you before you set off.

You will encounter a variety of different surfaces along the trail, including asphalt and crushed gravel, but the overall walk itself is not too challenging. If you and your pooch appreciate mountain vistas and native wildlife, then this trail should definitely be at the top of yours and Fido's bucket list.