Joplin Trails Coalition celebrates completion of Ruby Jack Train extension

Supporters turned out on Saturday to celebrate the completion of the Ruby Jack Trail extension at the Ruby Jack Trail Jamboree.

This 14-mile compacted limestone gravel trail now connects the cities of Carl Junction, Oronogo, and Carthage, and is ideal for cycling, running, or walking.

The Ruby Jack Trail Jamboree kicked off with a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting  at County Road 270, just northeast of Carl Junction, near 171 highway.

Afterwards, residents biked, ran or walked the trail from any of its trailheads. Participants enjoyed local food trucks at the Jamboree midpoint in Oronogo City Park.

Information tents and water stations were open at the Carl Junction Community Center, Oronogo City Park, and the Carthage Trailhead.

“We’re excited to have this portion of the Ruby Jack Trail completed because cyclists now have
a safe way to bike between Carl Junction, Oronogo, and Carthage,” explained Braden Horst, president of the Joplin Trails Coalition.

“We look forward to continuing the expansion of our trail system over the area,” Horst added

The rail-to-trail project is  administered by the Joplin Trails Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and maintaining walking and biking trails in and around the Joplin area.