Rock Island Trail State Park Just Became Missouri's 93rd State Park
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 12, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Exploring Missouri has always been pretty easy, especially with the countless hiking trails and 92 state parks scattered throughout the state. Now there’s a new state park to add to our list of bucket list adventures. Rock Island Trail State Park, the newest state park in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, recently opened, and it promises a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Officials from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced the opening of Rock Island Trail State Park in Pleasant Hill, the 93rd state park in Missouri on June 30, 2023.
However, the new Missouri state park, formerly known as the Rock Island Spur of the Katy Trail, is a work in progress. You can currently explore 47.5 developed miles of the trail, which travels from Pleasant Hill to Windsor.
An additional 144 miles of the trail will run from Windsor to Beaufort. Development on that portion of the trail will cost an estimated $100 million. The remainder of the trail will be built in stages.
While it will be a few years before the entire trail is developed, you can still explore the 47.5 miles that follow along the former rail line that the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad once traveled.
The developed part of the trail welcomes hikers and bikers and, in some sections, horseback riding is permitted. Pets are allowed along the trail but must be leashed at all times.
Do you plan to or have you visited Rock Island Trail State Park, the newest state park in Pleasant Hill, Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! After exploring, you’ll probably have a pretty hearty appetite. Head over to Big Creek Café in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, for a tasty meal.
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