Picking a path that’s right for you.
Since its inception in 1991, the Jefferson City Greenway Trail System has expanded to nearly 15 miles of path that encompass parks, neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
By definition, a greenway is a park — a linear park, to be specific. But where a typical park focuses on the destination, the Greenway is all about the journey. At any stop along the trail, you’ll discover how the path connects the city’s unique recreational, cultural, and natural areas — you have endless opportunities to create your own adventure.
Overwhelmed by all the possibilities? Fear not, anxious explorers! We’ve put together a list of JC Greenway routes sure to inspire.
Beer Run
(Southwest Boulevard to Stadium Boulevard, 1.3 miles)
A brewery cozied up to the Greenway? Yes! Quickly becoming one of the locals’ favorite watering holes, Last Flight Brewing Company, at 738 Heisinger Rd., is the perfect spot to start and end your trek. Pound the Greenway pavement until you reach your distance goal, then reward yourself with their crisp Jeff City lager or fruity favorite, The Peach Wheat.
Round trip, this Greenway section is around 2.6 miles, which is close enough to a 5K when beer is at the finish line. Or, remove that pesky decimal point and tell yourself you just conquered yourself a marathon! That surely calls for a pint.
Bonus: Last Flight is family-friendly and dog-friendly, which definitely pairs well with all two-legged and four-legged greenway users.
Origin Trail
(Dunklin Street trailhead to MODOT Drive, 1.1 miles)
This historic stretch of trail was the first JC Greenway corridor to connect east to west — just like the phonetically similar Oregon Trail, but without the threat of death from dysentery. Running alongside Wears Creek and throughout Washington Park, this original section of the Greenway leads trail users to a variety of entertainment. You can take in a Jefferson City Renegades ball game at Vivion Field, view the latest exhibit at Capital Arts Gallery, pop into Washington Park Ice Arena for a public session, or travel a few steps north on Ohio Street for some shaved ice at SnoBiz.
Monthly Guided Bike Tours
This is the ultimate no-planning-needed experience! Join a Community Bike Ride, a monthly guided bike ride exploring various parts of the city led by certified instructors. Find dates, routes, and other details for the month of July at jcparks.com/program/community-bike-ride/.
Play All Day
(E. McCarty Street to Chestnut Street, 1.2 miles)
The East Branch Greenway boasts tons of all-ages fun in just over a mile of trail. Pack a picnic and hop on the Greenway at The Linc, located 1299 Lafayette St. Just a half-mile up the trail, your family can enjoy hours of free fun at Community Park. THey can climb the giant ropes course, speed down the zip line, and cool off at the splash pad!
As you stay on the Greenway through Community Park, learn about the neighborhood’s history through education panels and a public sculpture series inspired by stories of the historic Foot District. If you enjoy some friendly competition, the Yvonne Walker Hoard Complex hosts several tennis and pickleball matches throughout the week.
Bike and Brunch
(Clay Street Bike Plaza to Airport Road, 1.8 miles)
Perhaps one of the most vital sections of the Greenway is the spur connecting the Katy Trail to downtown Jeff City. It’s also one of the most serene and scenic sections, which is sure to provide peace and tranquility through all your senses. Hear the water and feel the breeze as you venture across the Missouri River pedestrian bridge. Then, take the Greenway to Sandstone Drive, Hibernia Road, and Airport Road to smell and taste delicious food while breaking for a bite at The Landing Zone, located at 500 Airport Rd.
Willing to venture off the beaten path? Bike past the airport, and there is a way to access the Katy Trail, which then comes to a spur that takes you to Canterbury Winery.
