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The Spirit Trail stretches 11 miles between the cities of Warrensburg and Knob Noster. Paralleling State Highway DD, the trail passes through Knob Noster State Park and offers a spur to the Whiteman Air Force Base through the Royal Oaks Golf Course.
The trail is 10-feet wide and open to users of all ages and abilities. The trail surface is 95% paved. In the state park, a short section of the trail has a gravel surface with steeper grades and switchbacks.
The Spirit Trail provides opportunities for recreation and alternative transportation in Johnson County, Missouri. The trail is an initiative of the Spirit Trail Coalition (previously known as the Johnson County Trail Coalition).
Parking is available in Knob Noster State Park at Clearfork Lake, WPA Day Use Area, McAdoo Trailhead and at the Royals Oaks Golf Course.
Limited trail parking is also available at the UCM South Sports Complex facilities located on DD highway in Warrensburg, compliments of the University of Central Missouri. Please note that parking may not be available during UCM scheduled events.
The map on this site is out of date. The trail now extends west through Knob Noster State Park all the way to the park entrance. That being said, the new stretch is overall not any better than the part within the Warrensburg city limits. There is a very hilly, curvy stretch in the state park that is chat and mud that frequently has ruts washed in it. There's also a section that is on a rough gravel road. We ride this trail frequently because there aren't many alternatives but honestly, this trail is poorly maintained.
The paved section of this trail that is on the south side of Warrensburg is very poorly maintained. For cycling, the pavement is in terrible condition. Once you get out of the city limits the pavement does improve, however, a portion of the trail actually just becomes a wide section of DD hwy. There is loose gravel and debris all over this section from the road. As you get closer to Knob Noster State Park, the trail improves but is definitely not for casual cyclists. The hills into the park are very steep.
This path does not have trash cans or resting areas. You have to cross many busy roads. The route is next to DD hwy. Its not scenic. I do like that it is paved. I also like that there is parking at the start of the trail.
Just rode this trail from end to end. The trail is mostly well maintained, with just a few rough spots (some cracks and tree roots in places). There are a few simple road crossings, with little to no car traffic at the crossings. When you get to the eastern end, use caution, because there is a nice downgrade just before the last 200 feet or so, which is uphill. Problem is, near the bottom of the downgrade, the trail is covered in very loose sand mixed with gravel. Recipe for disaster if you hit it too fast. Probably best to just turn around and skip the last quarter mile or so. There is some nice rolling hills and one steep but short climb heading eastward. Nothing difficult at all. While this is by no means a destination trail, it is a decent way to kill an hour if you’re anywhere nearby. The trail was mostly deserted for the entire length today, but that may be different when college is in session. The trail is easy to get to from anywhere in Warrensburg.
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