Within
this parkway, there are several multi-purpose trails that wind along both sides of the Blue
River. From Red Bridge Road south to the Polo Fields at Kenneth Road,
these trails are open for hiking, trail-running, mountain biking, and (in some locations) horse riding.
Jackson County prohibits all forms of motorized vehicles (including dirt bikes, ATVs, four-wheelers, etc.) from being operated in the park (except for the official parking lots). The trails were not built for these kinds of vehicles, so the sight-lines are not long enough to allow adequate forward visibility at higher speeds and these vehicles can damage the trails badly. Since the county does not maintain these trails, it is up to the volunteer trail workers to fix any damage that occurs in our spare time--please help us out. We realize it is hard to find legitimate places to ride these vehicles in the city and we really appreciate your cooperation (plus, the Park Rangers have a habit of getting a bit grumpy when they encounter motorized vehicles on the trails and we'd hate for your day to be ruined by such an encounter).
Please be courteous of other users and remember that cyclists must yield to both pedestrians and horses.
Notes about specific trails:
Between Blue Ridge Blvd and the power substation: The
"Wagon Trail" (the technical
single-track trail that runs through the hills) was primarily designed for
hiking and mountain biking. The
"Serengeti" trail (the trail that runs through the open field) is intended
primarily for hiking and mountain biking. While the double track "Horse Trail" can be
used for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding; it is not currently being maintained (over
time, this trail will probably be allowed to grow closed).
Between the Ball Fields (south of Martin City) and the Polo Fields at Kenneth Road: These
trails are heavily used by equestrians (horses). While hiking and
mountain biking are also allowed, these trails are best suited for equestrain
use. As on all trails, it is requested that hikers and mountain bikers please be courteous
and yield to horses.
Please respect these trails by not riding them when they are wet/muddy (if you are leaving marks
in any more than an occasional puddle, it is too wet/muddy to ride so please come back
another time). Due to their weight, horses
can severly damage the trails if they ride when the ground is soft. Likewise, mountain bikes
can cause erosion problems on muddy trails. When the trails are damaged, it falls to the
volunteer trail workers to make repairs. We appreciate your help in preserving the trails.