Not too long ago, I introduced you to Missouri’s longest rail trail, the Katy Trail. But today, I’d like to introduce you to Missouri’s second largest rail trail, the Frisco Highline. Rail-to-trail conservancy is sweeping the nation in an environmental effort to repurpose abandoned railroad tracks into beautiful recreational paths for the public to use.

In 1884, the Frisco Highline was built by the Springfield and Northern Railroad.
Ozark Greenway/Facebook
Throughout its time, thousands of people rode this train that went from Springfield to Bolivar, including President Harry S. Truman. The last passenger train that was in service on the Highline ran in 1954.
Ozark Greenways/Facebook
In 1994, Ozark Greenways, a nonprofit trail organization, bought the railbanked corridor from the Burlington Northern. The first section of the Frisco Highline Trail, 10 miles from Willard to Walnut Grove, was completed and opened in 1999.
Ozark Greenways/Facebook
Today, the 35-mile long trail caters to cyclists, joggers and walkers of all ages.
Ozark Greenways/Facebook

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The trail features a variety of terrain and scenery. About 12 miles of it is paved and the other 23 miles of it is crushed limestone. Portions of the trail run through tree canopies, while other parts are out in the open.
Ozark Greenways/Facebook
The trail is especially beautiful to see in the fall, while the weather is cool and crisp and the leaves are changing.
rjones0856/flickr
There are 16 bridges on the trail, but the 270-foot long Little Sac River Bridge tends to be a favorite among visitors.
Ozark Greenways/Facebook
The Frisco Highline is a proud member of the United States' nationally registered recreation trails.
Ozark Greenway/Facebook
At mile 32, you'll come across La Petite Gemme Prairie. This beautiful native tallgrass prairie is the only publicly-owned virgin prairie in Polk County.
Missouri Prairie Foundation/Facebook

What do you think? Is it an ideal activity for a fall day trip? While the weather’s still nice, I definitely think so. In fact, I may take my bike out there this weekend! Check out Frisco Highline’s website to find the closest trailhead to you.

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