Frisco Highline Trail
The Ozarks' Premier Scenic Rail Trail
The Frisco Highline Trail winds 35 miles through the scenic Ozarks, and it connects Springfield to Bolivar, Missouri. The trail was designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and American Trails in 2004. The trail is made possible by donors and members of Ozark Greenways, who own this scenic Rail-Trail. Many thanks to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for their help in maintaining the portion of the trail in Greene County!
Scroll to the bottom for our interactive map, and view our printable map here.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Frisco Highline Trail maintenance issue to report? Contact John Montgomery at (417) 501-4674 or john@ozarkgreenways.org.
Points of Interest
- Mile 0-6 - Sculpture Cruise Transportation themed sculptures created by local artists
- Mile 3 - Rest Stop & Bike Storage Frisco Mini Storage & Bike Depot
- Mile 4.25 - Rest Stop Tom Netzer Rest Stop, with drinking fountain, next to Conco Quarry
- Mile 6 - History of Willard's 1908 Bank Robbery Kiosk tells how two robbers escaped on a handcart down the railroad tracks, the old bank building still stands, west across from Willard Trailhead
- Mile 6 - Farmer's Market The Willard Community Market Friday evenings from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Willard Trailhead
- Mile 6 - Food & Drink The Hive New Favorite in Willard
- Mile 6 - Food & Drink Darla's Diner Willard's local home cooking at its finest
- Mile 6 - Food & Drink Pizano's Pizza Who doesn't love pizza after a trail excursion
- Mile 6 - Food & Drink Hog Tide Bar-B-Que Another local favorite in Willard
- Mile 8 - Camping Willard Highline Soccer Park Next to the trail
- Mile 8 - Food, Drink, Restrooms Convenience Store & Gas Station Next to the trail
- Mile 16 - U.S. Bike Route 76 TransAmerica Road Bike Route Crosses the trail on Highway BB, connecting Oregon and Virginia, attracting cyclists from around the world
- Mile 16 Area - Food, Drink, Restrooms & Gas Convenience & Gas Station in Walnut Grove
- Miles 16 Area - Food, Drink & Misc Dollar General in Walnut Grove Mile west of Walnut Grove Trailhead
- Mile 18 Area - Winery & Camping 7C's Winery, Meadery & Camping Off the trail a couple of miles, watch for small signs
- Mile 18 to Mile 35 - Railroad Bridges "The 16 Bridges of Polk County" Each former railroad bridge is unique and fun to cross on foot or by bicycle
- Mile 19 - History of Hobo Haven Kiosk tells how this spot was a campsite for "hobos" traveling to find work during the Great Depression
- Mile 20.5 - History of Graydon Springs The town is mostly gone now, a kiosk recalls its 1890s heyday as a "healing waters" destination and resort and Coates Branch Rest Stop; a peaceful spot to rest and enjoy this section of Coates Branch in solitude
- Mile 22.5 - Best View Little Sac River's stone railroad bridge, circa 1884
- Mile 26 - Longest Bridge At 317 feet, the Highline Bridge is the longest of "The 16 bridges of Polk County"
- Mile 32 - Native Prairie La Petite Gemme Prairie Beautiful grasses and wildflowers that the trail passes right through!
- Mile 35 - Pavilion & Restrooms Open-air pavilion with picnic tables at Bolivar Trailhead
- Mile 35 Area - Farmers Market Greater Polk County Farmers Market (April-October) just south of the public square
- Mile 35 Area - History Museum Polk County Museum A walk through time, housed in the town's first school, pioneer log cabin sits on park-like grounds
- Mile 35 Area - Park & Lake Dunnegan Memorial Park Historic stone architecture, seasonal restrooms & water, picnic tables, pavilions
A Rich History
Bicyclists and pedestrians are the new travelers along this historic railroad line. Click our history timeline.
The Frisco Highline Trail is a scenic path through southwest Missouri’s past and present. Missouri's own Harry Truman ro the Frisco Highline. A lot has happened here since back in 1948, when Truman rode the 35 miles from Springfield to Bolivar and back in his private railroad car, warming up for his famous “Whistle Stop Campaign" that would get him re-elected as President that year. The tracks are gone now, the old stations have been torn down, and the wail of the steam whistle has been replaced by bird songs.
The 16 Railroad Bridges of Polk County
And yet, some things haven’t changed much at all! Wheels still spin on this route—only today they’re bicycle wheels, wheelchairs, or kids in strollers. The route still winds through woods and pastures, crossing 16 railroad bridges on its way across Greene and Polk counties.
Lodging & Camping
Camping at Willard --- Mile 6
Trailside Camping, Primitive --- Willard Highline Soccer Park, Willard Parks Reserve (417)742-3033.
Camping at Walnut Grove --- Mile 16 Area
Free camping --- Walnut Grove City Park Reserve (417)788-2596
Free camping --- 7C's Winery & Meadery Reserve (417)788-2263
Hotels closest to the trail's South end (Springfield) & North end (Bolivar)
Springfield has numerous options, and the downtown square is about 5 miles from Springfield Trailhead. Find a variety of lodging, services, and destinations promoted by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.
South end of trail --- Courtyard by Marriott Airport and LaQuinta Inn & Suites Airport
North end of trail --- Bolivar Super 8, Country Inn, Comfort Inn, and Best Western
Volunteer with Friends of the Frisco
Help Ozark Greenways improve and promote the Frisco Highline Trail. Projects include trail work days, marketing, and encouraging local businesses to attract customers from the trail. If you'd like to help, contact our Frisco Highline Trail manager, John, at john@ozarkgreenways.org or (417) 501-4674.
Events
There are a variety of trail events throughout the year, including our favorites - the FHT IronHorse Gravel Grind, Frisco Railroad Run, and the old-fashioned Christmas on the Frisco.
Reserving Frisco Highline Trail for Events
To hold an event anywhere on the Frisco Highline Trail, fill out this special use application and email it to john@ozarkgreenways.org or mail it to Ozark Greenways, P.O. Box 50733, Springfield MO 65805. If you have questions, call John at (417) 501-4674.
Partners
Parking & Trail Access
Mile 0 Springfield Trailhead at 3845 W. Kearney
Mile 4.25 Frisco Trail Mini Storage & Bike Depot at 4175 N. Willard
Mile 6 Willard Trailhead at 107 E. Jackson
Mile 16 Walnut Grove Trailhead at 11956 State Highway BB
Mile 24 Wishart Trailhead on 514th Road
Mile 35 Bolivar Trailhead at 800 W. Jackson
Map
Download a printable version of this Ozark Greenways map
Gallery
Length |
35+ miles |
Terrain |
Minimal inclines; |
Accessibility |
Walkers, runners, and bicyclists |
Hours |
Open during daylight only |