Are dogs allowed on Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail?

No, Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail?

Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is rated expert. It is 21.3 miles long with 2,530 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Missouri trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Missouri

Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail

West Plains, Missouri

21.3 mi

Distance

2,530 ft

Elev. Gain

8h 11m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Ridge Runner Trail is a 21 mile trail that goes from Noblett Lake in the north to the North Fork Recreation Area in the south. The trail leads through a part of the Missouri Ozarks known for its beauty and limestone karst topography. The landscape is varied from gently rolling to very steep with rock outcrops and bluffs. The trail has diverse vegetation, including oak-hickory, short leaf pine, and bottomland forests. The prairie plants can be seen, a reminder of a time when the prairie was burned in the Ozarks. The Ridge Runner and the Ozark Trail run in the same direction from Blue Hole to the north fork loop.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:276 ft

Max:384 ft

771 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.