Frisco Trail and Turkey Creek Trail

FRISCO TRAIL

One of my favorite places to walk and bike in the Joplin area is the Frisco Greenway Trail.

Known simply as the Frisco Trail, this multi-use path was created by using a portion of the former St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad that was once important to the mining industry in the Joplin and Webb City areas.

In this “rails-to-trails” project, unused rail lines were converted into hiking and biking trails in an effort to promote a healthier community – a wonderful example of repurposing!

What I love most about the Frisco Trail is that most of it is covered by a canopy of trees, providing protection from the wind and sun. Every time I use it, I feel like I’ve found an oasis right in the middle of the city.

It’s our go-to trail for biking together as a family, because the path is nice and wide, and it’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of traffic. There are a few points where the trail crosses streets, but they’re easily manageable with kids.

There are three parking areas available along the trail, one at each trailhead: the south end (on East North Street between North School and North Division Streets); midway (on North Saint Louis Avenue, just south of Zora Street); and the north end (behind Crowder College at Ellis and 5th Streets in Webb City). Click here for coordinates for the trailheads from the Joplin Trail’s Coalition website.

Crushed gravel covers the majority of this 3.5-mile trail, but there’s a paved spur that follows Turkey Creek.

You can access this paved portion near the north end of the pedestrian bridge, and it extends to North St. Louis Avenue. It’s so peaceful coasting along the pavement on this part of the trail, with the woods on one side and the creek on the other.

The last time we used the trail, my husband led me to the single-track trails off of this paved section. This was my first experience on this type of trail and it was so much fun. There were a few rocks and tree roots, but the hills and curves were easy, making these single-track trails great for beginners.

If you’re looking for more challenging single-track trails with bigger hills, you’ll find them just north of the south trailhead.

TURKEY CREEK TRAIL

Just east of the Frisco Trail is the 1.5-mile Turkey Creek Trail. There is a parking lot for this trail located at North Florida Avenue and Newman Road.

We’ve walked this paved trail several times as a family. It’s hilly in some spots, but its short distance makes it doable.

There are some challenging single-track trails located off of the main trail, and our family explored those one day (on foot!). One of the trails followed the edge of a bluff, and tucked into a protected section of that bluff, we discovered a goose sitting on her nest. This is just one example of the many kinds of wildlife you can see along the trails.

MORE TRAILS IN JOPLIN

There’s a flurry of road improvement activity in town right now, and much of that will result not only wider streets, but also in sidewalks and trails that can be used for walking and biking.

The City of Joplin’s Master Trail Plan outlines a network of sidewalks and trails connecting large residential areas to one another, such those along Schifferdecker Avenue, Maiden Lane, and 26th Streets.

Click here to view a map of the Master Trail Plan and see what ideas the city has for making your neighborhood more walkable.

WANT MORE?

Looking for more outdoor spaces in the Joplin area? Click here to find them.

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This article was commissioned by the Joplin CVB, however the opinions expressed are purely my own. The purpose of Joplin MO Life is to highlight all the best that our area has to offer, and when an article is written about a restaurant, business, attraction, or event, it is because I have had an enjoyable experience and want to share it with others.

Click here to visit the Joplin CVB’s Facebook page.

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Living Life to The Fullest!

I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.

I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.