Missouri Spirit Trail

Permitted Uses

The Spirit Trail has been designed for the enjoyment of walking and bicycling. Adherence to ADA guidelines in design and building make the Spirit Trail accessible to those persons with disabilities.

  • Electrically assisted mobility devices and pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles are allowed, with a maximum speed of 20 mph. Gas-powered vehicles, including ATVs and ORVs, are NOT allowed with the exception of emergency vehicles.

  • No hunting or discharging of firearms is permitted.

  • The Spirit Trail is open from sunrise to sunset.

  • Horses are only permitted in Knob Noster State Park on designated shared use portions of the trail.

Spirit Trail users can find limited trail parking at the UCM South Sports Complex facilities located on DD highway in Warrensburg, compliments of the University of Central Missouri. During UCM scheduled events parking may not be available. Parking lot is monitored by UCM Campus Safety.

Parking is available in Knob Noster State Park at Clearfork Lake, WPA Day Use Area, McAdoo Trailhead and at Royals Oaks Golf Course.

Parking
Know Before You Go

  • Only pedestrians and cyclists are permitted on the Spirit Trail.

  • ALL pets should be leashed for protection of other trail users. Please clean up after your pet.

  • Check State Park conditions before you go at this link. Trail Conditions

  • State Park rules and regulations apply in park boundaries.

a person riding a bike down a trail
a person riding a bike down a trail

The eleven mile long, ten-foot-wide 95% asphalt and concrete trail connects Warrensburg, its bicycle routes, Amtrak Station, Knob Noster State Park, Whiteman Air Force Base, city of Knob Noster and all the communities in-between. From the west, the Spirit Trail begins just east of MO 13 Highway near Jennies Athletic Complex where it passes a labyrinth and continues along State Highway DD, until it climbs Bristle Ridge where you will discover the 100' painted wall mural. Stop and relax on the bench and enjoy this depiction of early and present Johnson County. Just past the mural, the trail heads south into tree cover before it returns to DD highway for a short time before entering Knob Noster State Park. This portion meanders through the park, and for a short time shares the path with equestrian use on gravel surfaces with challenging grades and switchbacks. Well-marked park roads lead you to Clearfork Lake, where you can picnic, find restrooms, and enjoy the lake. From here it is back into tree cover where you will cross a 150-foot-long bridge and travel through the campground. At the east end, trail users have the option to ride south to the Whiteman Air Force Base connection through Royal Oaks Golf Course, or east to the park's main gate and the city of Knob Noster.

Private Adjoining Properties

The Spirit Trail is mostly constructed within MoDOT right-of-way which adjoins private property. Adjoining property may be used for commercial or business opportunities, farming operations or hunting. Please respect private property by remaining on the trail.

Road Crossings

Trail users should expect to stop or yield to vehicles crossing the trail. There may be heavy traffic and/or limited visibility, so use caution when crossing. Extra caution should be taken and surrounding awareness heightened when crossing MO 13 Highway at the roundabout and sections of the Spirit Trail where no traffic buffer is available.

Trail Maintenance

If you encounter a trail maintenance issue, please contact the Spirit Trail Coalition by email at info@spirittrail.org. Thank you for helping keep the Spirit Trail safe and beautiful.

Knob Noster State Park will be closed to all visitors during the upcoming managed deer hunt from sunset on Friday, December 6 through sunrise on Monday, December 9.

Spirit Trail within the park will also be closed to visitors.