Located in Missouri's capital city, Binder Park is the largest park in Jefferson City. Binder Park trails connect to create a scenic loop on multiple trails throughout the park with views of the beautiful lake. This loop has every feature a trail runner should see if visiting Missouri, from numerous changes in the trail terrain to water and bridge crossings, steady ascents and descents, changes in the forest type from oak to cedar and pine, and the beauty of the 155 acre lake. It’s one of the longest trails within the Mid-Missouri area for about a 1 hour distance in all directions. Binder Park hosts the annual Capital City Cross Country Invitational and is a staple location for trail run training in all of Cole County, MO.
The 11-mile Binder Park Trails Challenge can be completed by starting at the Lake Deck at the trailhead of Gravy Train connecting to Laser Rabbit, to Rabid Squirrel, to Mind the Gap, to Beyond the Wall, to Problem Child, back to Beyond the Wall, to Rock Garden, to Thread the Needle, to Roller Coaster, ending at the same start point by the Lake Deck. The route contains just over 860' elevation gain.
The starts of each trail are well marked with trailhead posts and colorful arrow markers throughout the trail system. There are a total of 4 road crossings, starting on Mind the Gap to Beyond the Wall directly crossing the street to the trail and then crossing the street from Beyond the Wall to the Problem Child loop then back the to Beyond the Wall crossing before beginning Rock Garden. All the trails are single track, which are mostly packed dirt, with some rocky sections. The loop contains several creek crossings, bridges and rock features meandering throughout the dense woodland. There are some smooth sections along with steep technical terrain with large rocks, tree roots and loose gravel.
Route submitted by Heather DeRose and Antonio DeRose.
