Blowing Springs Greenway, Rago, and Back 40 Loop

You can typically find parking at Blowing Springs Park, which offers amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. This park provides direct access to the Blowing Springs Greenway and connections to the Rago and Back 40 trails.

Yes, dogs are allowed on leash on both the Rago and Back 40 Loop trails. The Blowing Springs Greenway is also generally dog-friendly, but always ensure your pet is on a leash and you clean up after them.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet or icy conditions on natural-surface sections. Summer can be hot and humid, so an early start is recommended.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Blowing Springs Park or to hike the trails within this system, including the Blowing Springs Greenway, Rago, and Back 40 Loop.

The route offers a mix of difficulties. The Blowing Springs Greenway section is easy, paved, and suitable for families, strollers, and those with mobility aids. However, the Rago and Back 40 Loop sections are moderately challenging with varied terrain, rocky features, and elevation changes, making them less ideal for absolute beginners or very young children unless they are experienced hikers. Some technical sections on Rago and Back 40 have 'B-Line' ride-arounds for less experienced users.

The trail offers diverse terrain. You'll find easy, paved sections on the Blowing Springs Greenway. The Rago and Back 40 Loop trails feature undulating natural surfaces, rocky outcrops, open glades, stream crossings, and sections with technical elements like gaps and drops. You'll traverse hardwood forests, ridges, and valleys.

You'll encounter the scenic Blowing Springs Arboretum, cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and springs within Blowing Springs Park. The Rago trail features a picturesque pond and reaches a high elevation point offering views of the Ozark hills. The Back 40 Loop includes memorable sections like 'The Ledges' with karst formations.

The area is home to various wildlife. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, armadillos, and a diverse array of bird and butterfly species, especially in the wooded and natural sections of the Rago and Back 40 trails.

Yes, this route is part of an extensive network. It incorporates sections of the Rago trail, the Blowing Springs Greenway, the Blowing Springs-Back 40 Connector Loop, the Back 40, and the Blowing Springs-Back 40 North Connector, all contributing to the larger Razorback Regional Greenway system.

For the natural-surface sections of Rago and Back 40, sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to rocky and undulating terrain. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent are also good ideas. While some 'Trail Angels' occasionally provide coolers on the Back 40, it's best to be self-sufficient.

Restrooms and water are available at Blowing Springs Park, which serves as a convenient access point. Along the natural-surface Rago and Back 40 trails, amenities are limited, so it's advisable to carry sufficient water for your entire hike.