Move More This Month: Low-Impact Trails in the Ozarks

You don’t need a mountain summit or a marathon finish line to feel the benefits of getting outside. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body and your mind is simply lace up your shoes, step onto a trail, and walk. The Ozarks — that gorgeous, sprawling highland region stretching across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma — offers some of the most welcoming low-impact trails in the country. Whether you’re easing back into movement, managing a chronic condition, or just looking for a peaceful place to stretch your legs, there’s a path here waiting for you. 

Why Low-Impact Trails Are Good for Your Health 

Low-impact walking puts less stress on your joints than running or high-intensity workouts, which makes it a smart choice for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular walking on even terrain has been shown to support cardiovascular health, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and help manage blood sugar levels. It’s one of the most accessible forms of movement out there — and when you take it outside onto a natural trail, the benefits multiply. Fresh air, birdsong, and a little shade from the trees don’t hurt, either. 

There’s also a strong case for keeping it simple. Victor Pardue, B.S., ACSM-CEP, fitness manager at CoxHealth Fitness Center Springfield, puts it plainly: “The higher the intensity of exercise, the greater the chance of injury. Walking and hiking are great ways to keep moving — they’re low-impact, weight-bearing exercises that also help improve muscle strength and bone density.” He adds that the Springfield area is especially well-positioned for this kind of everyday movement. “We are so lucky to be living here in Springfield. We have great trails all around us. Even walking around your neighborhood is a great place to start. Sometimes it’s good to dial it back and smell the roses.” 

The Ozarks are ideal for this kind of everyday movement. Many of the region’s trails follow gentle creek beds, old forest roads, and limestone bluffs — giving you variety without demanding a steep climb. Bring water, wear supportive shoes, and let the scenery do the motivating. 

Top low-impact trails in the Ozarks to try this month 

1. Frisco Highline Trail — Springfield to Bolivar, Missouri 

If you’re based in or near Springfield, this one is practically in your backyard — and it’s one of the best low-impact walking options in the entire region. The Frisco Highline Trail is Missouri’s second longest rail-to-trail path, stretching 35 miles from Springfield to Bolivar along a converted railroad corridor. The first eight miles out of Springfield are fully paved, making them ideal for walkers, people using mobility aids, or anyone who prefers a smooth, predictable surface. Beyond that, the trail transitions to crushed gravel through rolling countryside, crossing 16 old railroad bridges along the way. You don’t have to walk the whole thing — pick any trailhead, go as far as feels good, and turn around. That’s the beauty of a rail trail. 

2. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area — Branson, Missouri 

Tucked right inside the city of Branson, this 140-acre park is the kind of place that surprises people who expect a tourist town and find a quiet forest instead. The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area offers more than five miles of trails, several of which are easy, shaded loops ranging from one to just over two miles. Views of Lake Taneycomo appear through the trees as you walk, and the park is dotted with historical remnants from a 1911 homestead. The Branson Parks and Recreation Department has even added mile-marker QR codes along the trail that link to a real-time map, so you always know where you are. It’s a genuinely lovely walk that most visitors to the area never find. 

3. Lake Leatherwood City Park — Eureka Springs, Arkansas 

This park in the heart of the Eureka Springs area offers more than 26 miles of multi-use trails, with several flat, beginner-friendly loops that wind around the lake’s edge. The Lakeshore Trail is a favorite for walkers seeking a calm, scenic stroll with minimal elevation change. Wildflowers, turtles, and the occasional great blue heron are your trail companions. Dogs are welcome on a leash. 

4. Greer Spring Trail — Winona, Missouri 

If you’re up for a moderate two-mile round trip with a payoff that feels almost unreal, head to Greer Spring in the Irish Wilderness area. The trail gently descends through old-growth forest to one of Missouri’s largest springs — a turquoise pool that pushes more than 200 million gallons of water per day. The path is well-maintained and shaded nearly the entire way, making it a great option even on warmer days. 

5. Tanyard Creek Trail — Fayetteville, Arkansas 

Located near the University of Arkansas campus, this easy paved and natural-surface trail follows Tanyard Creek through a wooded ravine right inside the city. It’s only about 1.5 miles long, but it packs in a surprising amount of green space for an urban trail. The gentle terrain and convenient parking make it one of the most popular spots in Northwest Arkansas for a lunchtime or evening walk. 

6. Hercules Glades Wilderness — Forsyth, Missouri 

The open, grassy glades in this Missouri wilderness area offer a completely different Ozarks experience. Trails here are wide and well-worn, rolling through wildflower meadows and open cedar glades with panoramic views. Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit when temperatures are mild and the landscape is alive with color. Stick to the flatter southern sections for the most accessible experience. 

Tips for getting started on the trail 

Not sure where to begin? Amber Rager, fitness center manager at CoxHealth Fitness Center Branson, says the most important thing is simply to start. “Any movement is good movement,” she says. “Consistent activity will benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health, especially if you can get outside for some fresh air and vitamin D. If you are just getting started, set realistic goals and gradually increase so it is not overwhelming. You will feel better, sleep better, and think better!” 

Beyond that, a little preparation goes a long way on any trail. Keep these basics in mind: 

• Start small. A 20-minute walk counts. Build from there. 
• Wear proper footwear with ankle support, especially on natural-surface paths. 
• Carry water, even on short hikes. Ozark summers get hot fast. 
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. 
• Check trail conditions before you go, especially after heavy rain. 

 If you’re managing a health condition or recovering from an injury, it’s always a good idea to talk with your health care provider before starting a new activity routine. They can help you find the right pace and distance for where you are right now. 

The Ozarks are ready when you are 

Movement doesn’t have to be complicated, costly, or extreme to make a difference. The Ozarks offer something rare: wild, beautiful, accessible outdoor space that meets you wherever you’re starting from. Whether you walk for 15 minutes or two hours, you’ll come back to the car feeling a little lighter. And that’s a pretty great reason to go back again.