Looking for some smooth-rolling trails to satisfy your nature craving? Nature is meant to be enjoyed by everyone—whether on two legs, four legs, or wheels.
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Alas, many trails are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller, or by those who have limited mobility. So, the paths that are favorable for rolling can be trickier to discover.
Whether you’re rolling your baby in a stroller, your toddler in a wagon, or yourself or a loved one in a wheelchair—this article aims to give you access to five nature trails in the Ozarks.
Without further ado, here are our top five Ozarks trails accessible on wheels.
Accessible Trail #1: Dripping Springs Trail in the Oklahoma Ozarks
Dripping Springs Trail is located inside Natural Falls State Park near Colcord, Oklahoma. It’s a short loop, just over one mile long, that’s mostly paved with gravel in parts. However, the trail ends with a rocky climb, making it an out-and-back two-mile trek for those on wheels.
The downside is that there’s an entry fee to get into the park ($10). It’s worth it, though—this trail features caves, waterfalls, a dam, and a raging river. Plus, there’s plenty else to do inside the park, including more trails, camping, fishing, playgrounds, and a garden.
Visitors have also mentioned that this trail is not well-marked, but they’re usually able to find the way. It’s always a good idea to turn on your trail app (like AllTrails) to pinpoint your GPS starting location. That way you can make your way back to your vehicle when it's time to leave!
Recap of Dripping Springs Trail
Location: Colcord, OK—Inside Natural Falls State Park
Distance: 1.1 Mile Loop or 2 Mile Out-and-Back
Surface: Mostly paved, partially gravel, ends with rocky climb
Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Price: $10 to get into the park
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Where to Find Dripping Springs Trail in Oklahoma:
Accessible Trail #2: Tanyard Loop in the Arkansas Ozarks
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail near Bella Vista, Arkansas, is a personal family favorite of ours. For sure, the best part is the breathtaking waterfall! Read about the whole Tanyard Creek trail experience in depth in our post.
This trail offers over two miles of beauty in an accessible fashion! It starts out paved and has mostly wide gravel paths. Grab a map at the trailhead to make this adventure as long or as short as you desire.
Other features on the Tanyard Loop are a dam, cave, creek, and bridges. Keep in mind that it stays pretty busy here, but the trails are nice and wide, so there’s room for all!
Recap of Tanyard Loop
Location: Bella Vista, AR
Distance: 2.2 mi loop (or less if desired!)
Surface: Partially paved, mostly gravel
Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Price: Free
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Find Tanyard Loop in NWA
Find the trailhead near the easy-to-find accessible parking here:
Accessible Trail #3: Table Rock Lakeshore Trail in the Missouri Ozarks
Looking for a lakeside view along with a fully-paved path? Table Rock Lakeshore Trail in Point Lookout, Missouri, will not disappoint! It extends over four miles, and there’s ample room for everyone (most of the trail is five feet wide). Make your nature hike as long or short as you desire with this out-and-back paved trail.
Part of the trail even cuts through a little gem called Table Rock State Park. The park offers more trails, camping, and a marina to enjoy the water up close. Keep in mind that there is one short section at about 2.3 miles where the grade briefly ramps up to 8-12%.
Recap of Table Rock Lakeshore Trail in Missouri
Location: Point Lookout, MO- partly inside Table Rock State Park
Distance: 4.4 miles out & back
Surface: Fully-Paved
Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Price: Free
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Find Table Rock Lakeshore Trail
Arrive at the North end of the trail by the Visitor’s Center for accessible parking spaces. Find the trail here:
Accessible Trail #4: Maramec Spring River Walk in the Missouri Ozarks
Another Ozarks trail accessible on wheels is the Maramec Spring River Walk near Saint James, Missouri. The surfaces range from paved to gravel to natural ground, and the width can vary between one to five feet. So, this trail might be a little trickier to maneuver, but still worth checking out!
Just over a mile and a half, this out-and-back trail is nearby the Mark Twain National Forest. It features bridges, a river, and a dam. Nearby, there’s a playground and seasonal cafe called Pick & Shovel. Parents can grab a coffee while the kids can get some playtime after a relaxing stroll!
There is a fee to access this river walk inside Maramec Spring Park—$5 per vehicle per day. The park features plenty of all-day activity options, including fishing, feeding the fish, shopping, and camping. If you’re coming in October, don’t miss the Old Iron Works Festival!
Recap of Maramec Spring River Walk
Location: Near Saint James, MO
Distance: 1.7 mi out and back
Surface: Partly paved, gravel, and natural
Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Price: $5
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Find Maramec Spring River Walk in Missouri
Find the trailhead near the park entrance here:
Accessible Trail #5: Lake Taneycomo Trail near Branson, Missouri
Our last pick for accessible trails in the Ozarks is Lake Taneycomo Trail in Forsyth, Missouri. Over six miles of paved trail are available to nature lovers on this out-and-back path. That means your family can take this one out as far or short as you like. Just make sure you don’t miss the views at Ozark Beach Dam!
Nearby parks include River Run Park, Empire Park, and Shadow Rock Park. Check the local weather conditions before making a special trip to this trailhead. The path floods quite often during heavy rain!
Recap of Lake Taneycomo Trail
Location: Forsyth, MO
Distance: 6.3 mi out and back
Surface: Fully-paved
Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Price: Free
Difficulty: Easy
Where to Find Lake Taneycomo Trail in Missouri
There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead just near the road bridge. Find it here:
Ready to Check Out These Awesome Accessible Trails in the Ozarks?
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*Photo Credit: AllTrails Users’ photos from actual trails.
