The best walks and hikes around Columbia
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Hiking around Columbia, Missouri, offers routes through a landscape characterized by dense woodlands, creek beds, and distinctive limestone bluffs. The region's trails are primarily located within state parks and recreation areas, featuring rolling hills and well-maintained paths. Most routes are easy or moderate in difficulty, providing accessible options for various skill levels.
Best hiking trails around Columbia
- The most popular hiking route is MKT Trail, a 9.1 miles (14.7 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 46 minutes to complete. This route offers a longer journey through the area's natural settings.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hinkson Creek Trail, a moderate 5.9 miles (9.4 km) path. This trail provides a scenic experience along the creek, suitable for a longer outing.
- Local hikers also love the Bear Creek Trail, a 2.7 miles (4.3 km) trail leading through wooded areas, often completed in about 1 hour 7 minutes.
- Hiking around Columbia is defined by accessible trails in state parks, paths along creek beds, and routes through deciduous forests. The network of trails in Columbia, MO provides options for both easy walks and more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Columbia are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 150 hikers have used komoot to explore Columbia's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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2.67km
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Hike the easy 1.7-mile Forum Nature Area Lake Trail through wetlands, prairie, and woodlands, enjoying lake views and wildlife.
14.7km
03:46
70m
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Embark on the MKT Trail, a moderate hiking route spanning 9.1 miles (14.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 237 feet (72 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 3 hours and 45 minutes. As you hike, you will pass through diverse scenery, from open rural landscapes and farmlands along Perche and Hinkson Creeks to sections fully shaded by trees, crossing several old wooden bridges over Flat Branch Creek. Keep an eye out for attractive rock formations and the Forum Nature Area, known for its wetlands and birdwatching opportunities.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the MKT Trail offers multiple access points. A convenient starting point is in downtown Columbia at Flat Branch Park, where you will find amenities like parking, restrooms, and water facilities. The trail features a well-packed crushed limestone surface, suitable for various activities. Be aware that parts of the trail near Flat Branch Creek can experience flooding when water levels are high, so check conditions before you go.
This accessible rail-trail is a significant feature in the region, offering a pleasant outdoor experience right in Columbia, Missouri. The MKT Trail also provides a direct connection to the much larger Katy Trail at Hindman Junction, allowing you to extend your adventure and explore an even broader network of trails. It's a great option if you are looking for a route that combines natural beauty with easy access and onward exploration possibilities.
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2.81km
00:43
10m
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Hike the easy 1.7-mile MKT Nature and Fitness Trail through wooded areas and past farmland, featuring old bridges and a fishing lake.
9.45km
02:28
70m
80m
Hike the moderate 5.9-mile Hinkson Creek Trail through forests and meadows, enjoying creek views and distinctive bridges in Grindstone Natur
4.28km
01:07
50m
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Hike the easy 2.7-mile Bear Creek Trail in Cosmo Park, a pleasant route taking just over an hour to complete.
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Tips from the Community
Flat Branch Park is where the MKT Trail starts. It’s an easy, mostly flat crushed-limestone path through shady green space that links to the Katy Trail.
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'Fishing Lake' is part of 'Twin Lakes Recreation Area' and, as the name indicates, is mainly used for fishing. Besides that, there is a nice and short trail leading around the lake, which includes picnic areas.
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Enjoy a smooth, paved 3.3‑mile ride along Grindstone Creek Trail through mixed woods and creekside views. Quiet and family-friendly—with benches, restrooms, and even a bike repair station at the trailhead.
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Cosmo Park is a fun spot for the entire family. With a golf course, playground, sporting fields, and a load of other amenities, there is something for everyone. The park features its own small trail system, and the Bear Creek Trail runs through the heart of the property.
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'Fishing Lake' is part of 'Twin Lakes Recreation Area' and, as the name indicates, is mainly used for fishing. Besides that, there is a nice and short trail leading around the lake, which includes picnic areas.
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'Forum Nature Area' is a 100 acre large area, located next to 'MTK Trail'. It includes a restroom, stretching stations and a short trail around a little lake.
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From Hindman Junction you can cycle 94.6 miles to the western terminus of the Katy Trail in Clinton, Missouri, and 143.1 miles to the eastern terminus of the Katy Trail in Machens, Missouri. From here you can also cycle 8.9 miles to the northern terminus of the MKT trail in downtown Columbia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy hikes in Columbia suitable for beginners?
Yes, the majority of trails around Columbia are considered easy, making it a great place for beginners or a casual walk. Most routes are on well-maintained paths through woodlands. A good example is the Stephens Lake Park Beach – Stephens Lake Park loop, which is a gentle walk of about 2.5 miles (4 km).
What are the options for a more moderate hike?
For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, there are several moderate hikes available. These often involve more rolling hills and natural surfaces. A popular choice is the Gans Creek Wild Area Trail loop, which explores the wilder side of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park over 5 miles (8 km).
Are there any difficult or challenging hikes in the area?
The terrain around Columbia primarily consists of rolling hills and established park trails, so you won't find any technically difficult or high-altitude mountain hikes. The trails are generally rated as easy or moderate.
Which trails are good for hiking with kids and families?
Many trails are family-friendly due to their gentle gradients and shorter distances. The MKT Trail to Twin Lakes Recreation Area is an excellent option, offering a relatively flat and wide path that is great for all ages.
Are there any paved or stroller-friendly trails near Columbia?
Yes, the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail is a well-regarded local favorite for walking and is suitable for strollers. It's a crushed limestone path that runs through wooded corridors, providing a smooth surface for a comfortable outing.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Most parks and trails in the Columbia area are dog-friendly, but dogs are generally required to be on a leash. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park allows dogs on its trails, but they are not permitted inside the Devil's Icebox cave. Always check the specific park regulations before you go.
What are some popular places to hike around Columbia?
The main hub for hiking is Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which features the area's most well-known trails and geological formations like the Devil's Icebox.
Another highly-regarded spot is Capen Park, known for its scenic overlooks from rocky bluffs and trails that run along a creek.
What kind of scenery can I expect on a hike in Columbia?
Hiking here takes you through a landscape of dense deciduous forests, along creek beds, and past distinctive limestone bluffs and rock formations. The trails are known for being peaceful and immersed in nature, especially within the area's state parks.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Columbia?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained trails, the beautiful woodland scenery, and the unique geological features found in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
How many hiking trails are there around Columbia?
You can find around 20 curated hiking routes around Columbia on komoot. These range from short, easy walks in city parks to more moderate loops through the wild areas of state parks.
What is the Devil's Icebox?
The Devil's Icebox is a notable cave system within Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. A boardwalk leads you to the cave's entrance, where cool air flows out year-round. You can explore this unique geological feature on routes like the Devil's Icebox loop from Furner.
Most popular routes around Columbia
Most popular attractions around Columbia
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