Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop
Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop
4.9
(2090)
12,884
runners
Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop
00:44
7.11km
0m
Running
Embark on a moderate jogging experience along the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop, covering 4.4 miles (7.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 15 feet (5 metres). This route offers a refreshing 44-minute workout across varied terrain, blending paved sections with natural surfaces. As you jog, you'll enjoy expansive views of the Mississippi River from scenic overlooks, making for a pleasant and engaging run.
When planning your visit, you'll find parking readily available at Cliff Cave County Park, providing convenient access to the trailheads. Be aware that the paved sections of the greenway offer very little shade, so consider this if you're jogging during warmer months. In winter, after a fresh snowfall, these same paved paths transform into an excellent spot for cross-country skiing.
The route winds through diverse natural settings, including bottomland woodlands and wetlands, which are home to a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for migratory birds, Great Blue Herons, and deer as you pass through. You'll also encounter native trees like cottonwoods and silver maples, adding to the natural beauty of this riverside greenway.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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657 m
Mississippi Greenway Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
7.11 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.08 km
Surfaces
6.93 km
151 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 11 July
26°C
21°C
90 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop?
Parking is available directly within Cliff Cave County Park. The main paved loop of the Mississippi Greenway Trail is easily accessible from various points within the park.
Is the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop suitable for beginners?
The main 6.7-mile paved asphalt loop of the Mississippi Greenway Trail is generally considered easy and suitable for beginners, with very little elevation gain. For a more challenging, moderately hilly experience, the 3-mile natural surface Spring Valley Trail is an option within the park.
Are there any fees or permits required to visit Cliff Cave County Park?
No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access Cliff Cave County Park or to use the trails within it.
What is the terrain like on this jogging route?
The primary jogging route is a 6.7-mile paved asphalt loop along the Mississippi Greenway Trail, which is mostly flat. The park also offers a 2.04-mile paved extension that climbs a bluff, and several natural surface trails like the 1-mile River Bluff Trail (flat with loose rock) and the 3-mile Spring Valley Trail (moderately hilly, packed dirt).
What kind of scenery and points of interest can I expect along the trail?
You'll enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River, especially from scenic overlooks along the bluffs. The trail passes through bottomland woodlands and wetlands. The park's namesake, Cliff Cave, is a significant historical site, though its entrance is gated to protect endangered bats. You can also observe diverse wildlife and unique Karst topography with sinkholes.
What wildlife might I see while jogging this trail?
The diverse habitats make it excellent for wildlife viewing. You might spot migratory birds in spring and fall, Great Blue Herons and Egrets in summer, and other animals like wild turkeys, foxes, deer, and raccoons year-round.
Is the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park Loop dog-friendly?
Yes, the trails within Cliff Cave County Park, including the Mississippi Greenway Trail, are dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them.
What is the best time of year to jog this loop?
Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and observing migratory birds. During warmer months, be aware that the paved greenway has very little shade, so an early morning or late afternoon jog is recommended. The paved extension up the bluff offers more tree cover for hot days. In winter, after a snowfall, the paved sections are great for cross-country skiing.
How long does it typically take to jog this route?
The main 4.4-mile (7.1 km) paved loop of the Mississippi Greenway Trail typically takes around 45 minutes to complete at a jogging pace.
Does the trail connect with other paths?
Yes, the route is part of the larger Mississippi Greenway Trail and also utilizes sections of the Cliff Cave County Park Trail.
Are there any sections with good shade for jogging on hot days?
The main paved loop of the Mississippi Greenway Trail in the bottomland has very little shade. For more tree cover on hot days, consider the 2.04-mile paved extension that climbs up the bluff.
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