I started out on this trail and it still holds a special place in my heart. Rooty, mostly rocky, twisty...just a good, solid overall singletrack that can get pretty technical for this part of the country. Once around won't even come close to wearing you out, but go back and hit all the interconnected sections. You won't get the full effect unless you do. The trail's only eight miles long total, but you could ride there all day and not ride the same section twice.
There are only a couple of real drawbacks to this trail, and the most significant one has to do with the mud. Mind you, I have absolutely no probably with getting so muddy I'm almost eating it...but most of this track is under a thick cover of trees, it's next to a river, and it almost never dries out. When you have to stop every ten minutes and clean the debris out from underneath your fork because your wheel simply won't turn anymore (and that's from AVOIDING the mud to protect the trail), it's time to head back to the parking lot. This trail may be short, but it ain't no short walk back toting your rig. You won't be able to roll it.
That said, if you're in this area, you gotta hit this trail. Start out in the middle (you'll know what that is when you get there), and don't miss the little side route built just for mountain bikers who need a little adrenaline injection.
From Springfield, take Highway 13 (Kansas Expressway) North out of town. You'll stay on 13 for about two miles; you'll pass a "Carpet Barn" (welcome to the Ozarks, folks) on your left. Keep heading on and suddenly, you'll see a propane dealership, also on your left. Turn left on that road and follow it down; parking lot will be on your right before you get to the plant.
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=1545