Bicycling has always had an appeal to people of all ages – something about cycling down the street, or biking down a shady lane, or even to the grocery store or library, is a wonderful way to get some exercise and fresh air, and also to cut back on the pollutants that cars put out into the environment. Bicycles range from sturdy mountain bikes with heavily treaded tires, to sleek, light framed street cycles with baskets, to toddler bikes with training wheels and streamers from the handlebars. If you are in or around Branson, there are some great places for you to take your bike and get some Branson cycling in!
White River Valley Trail System: This rugged and scenic trail system is designed specifically for hikers and mountain bikers, and won’t disappoint those who are seeking a stimulating, fast paced mountain bike ride! Several miles long and located in Branson near Table Rock Lake State Park, this trail system in comprised of several different loops, all color coded and all with varying degrees of difficulty. Bikers will encounter old farmstead sites, glades, rocky terrains, lakeside views, a variety of wildlife and of course, hikers – be sure to be aware and share the trail to avoid accidents!
Galloway Trail: For a stimulating bike ride through some of the prettiest parts of Springfield, Missouri, take your bike to the Galloway Trail (part of the Greenways Trail System) and enjoy your ride! The trail is 5 miles one way, and can be started ot the Greenways trailhead off of Highway 60, or at Pershing Middle School in town. The Galloway Trail follows Galloway Creek for the whole ride, and you will pass by the Galloway Grill (cyclists welcome!), Sequiota Park (features a large pond with lots of waterfowl, picnic areas, playground equipment, and some beautiful caves!), and more. The trail takes you through tunnels underneath traffic, across small waterways, and through forested paths. And the best part – it is all paved!
Trailspring: Trailspring is a multi-use outdoor recreational park geared towards connecting the community with the beauty of the Ozarks – and cyclists are welcome! According to the Trailspring website, “A purpose-built, multi-use trail system, Two Rivers Bike Park (part of Trailspring) boasts 8.5 miles of near-pristine Ozarks terrain for mountain bikers, runners, and hikers. The nearly 400-acre park sits just off the scenic Finley and James River confluence. Its trails feature mostly natural surfaces and offer the thrills of climbing and drop sections, rock features, built-in curved walls, and other optional stunts.”
So tune up your brakes, grab your helmet, and get ready to ride!
