Before Word Gets Out, Visit Missouri’s Newest Hiking Trail

Living in Missouri means most of us love spending time outdoors. From floating on the river during the summer to sledding on epic hills in the winter, we never want for something to do outside. That’s why when a new outdoor attraction opens it tends to get a lot of attention. Chances are you’ve heard of the newest hiking trail in Kirksville, Missouri, but you probably knew it by another name.

Thousand Hills State Park unveiled its newest hiking trail, the Carolyn Bagley Harding Trail, in the fall of 2022, in honor of the local resident who spent much of her time exploring the Missouri state park.

The longtime Kirksville resident passed away in 2019.

With a price tag of more than $1.5 million which was predominately funded by an anonymous donor, the hiking trail includes a half-mile paved portion that provides a safe alternative to walking or biking on the highway to get to different areas of the state park.

The Carolyn Bagley Harding Trail connects the park’s two campgrounds with other areas of the park, including the marina, a swimming beach, and the site of petroglyphs.

Before the addition of the half-mile, the trail was formerly known as Forest Lake Trail. The easy trail tallies 1.4 miles.

Follow the blue blazes on this trail that’s popular with hikers and bikers. It’s also wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. You can even bring your leashed pup along as long as he remains on his leash.

The trail will lead you past Forest Lake and a sandy beach and through wooded areas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, and deer.

Thousand Hills State Park also has three other hiking trails – Oak Trail, Red Bud Trail, and Thousand Hills Trail – that range from easy to rugged.

View more information, including a trail map, on the official website of Thousand Hills State Park.

Have you been on the newest hiking trail in Kirksville, Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of a good, old-fashioned treasure hunt, visit this three-story thrift shop in Kirksville, Missouri.