Red Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail is a part of the trail system at the Busiek State Forest.

Busiek Rd is right off Hwy 65 between Springfield and Branson. Follow Busiek Rd down the hill. Turn left at the first gravel parking area, before you go under the bridge. Follow road to the dead end which is also the parking area.

Note - there are many junctions that will be poorly marked or unmarked. The maps at the trailhead are out of date.

Take the To Yellow/Red/Silver trail Connector - DoubleTrack to access all East Side Trails to the start of the Red Trail. The connector will start on the south side of the lot. It will bring you directly to the creek. Cross the creek and take a right down the doubletrack. The creek is not always running but be prepared to get your feet wet. If we've had heavy rainfall this creek is known to flood.

0.2 miles - Take a left up the hill. Follow the switchback up until you reach the cemetery. Take a moment to explore. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. Follow the trail to the right for a gradual descent.

0.8 - You'll pass a small trail on the left - ignore it and continue straight for .1 mile.

0.9 - Take a left. You'll immediately come to another junction take a left. This is the beginning of the Red Loop and where you'll come back out.

The next .2 miles is not steep but can be technical in places due to rock ledges and loose terrain.

1.2 - You'll pass a small trail on the left - ignore this and continue straight.

1.3 - Keep right at the Y. A left will take you across the creek and back the the parking lot (.75 miles). If you need to bail - this the the best place.

1.7 - Begin hike-a-bike unless you are super awesome.

1.8 - Keep right at junction. Beware loose terrain quickly followed by ~ 1 mile of flowy singletrack.

2.7 - Keep right again at junction. This section can be loose and has some technical spots.

2.8 - You are back to the beginning of the Red Loop. Take a left followed by an immediate right to head out on the Yellow/Red Connector the way you came in.

You'll pass the cemetery on your right. At the bottom of the switch back take a right back to the parking lot.