Runge Nature Center
Whenever I walk this area I can get a 3 mile workout in. I double back on one section to accomplish this. While visiting this area you might run into the resident flock of Wild- Turkeys, lots of birds, squirrels, and even a Black Snake. There are numerous trees some really large and old, and even a fire tower which you can climb.
Trail Map
My 3 mile workout : I start at Trail Head "T", also called Towering Oak. I pass up the first entrance to "Moss Rock Trace" because I will come into it from the back side. Go right on to Blue Ridge but don't go the whole way. Instead take the Raccoon Run trail to your right until you come to Moss Rock Trace. Take it now and you will double back to Towering Oak. Go right and you will link back up to Bluestem Ridge and go right. Yep you are now backtracking over the same area . Exit Bluestem back on to Raccoon Run and go the whole distance of Raccoon Run until you come to Nature Scape. Go left and follow the trail to Towering Oak. Go left for a short distance and them go left onto Bluestem Ridge. Now you are going to stay on Bluestem Ridge until you come back to Raccoon Run and go left back to the parking lot.. You will encounter hills, bridges, steps, meadows, and lots of woods. There are benches ever so often if you need to take a break or you just want to enjoy the solitude and sounds of nature. This is a great workout in the heart of Jefferson City.
