Other Trail Information

The Columbia Trail System features a variety of trails in different settings – parks, nature sanctuaries, along creeks and through wooded areas – with a variety of trail surfaces for runners, walkers, wheelers, and bicyclists. Amenities along the trails, such as water fountains, restrooms, and bike repair stations, are provided to make your journey easier. You can find the location of these amenities on the trails mapopens PDF file .

Trails have long been important to the quality of life for Columbians. In a 2015 city-wide citizen survey, it was found that 82 percent of Columbia households use the trail system! In fact, this love of trails extends outside Columbia’s borders – the state of Missouri in 2013 was named the “Best Trails State” by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of the nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. Columbia Parks and Recreation is proud to contribute to this designation.

Table of Contents

Trails map guide

Trail Guide and Mapopens PDF file

Click on image above to view Trail Guide and Map – (Map is on page 5).

COMO trails app

COMO Trails App is available for iPhone and Android. Find your current location in relation to Columbia’s destination trails. Zoom in to see where restrooms, exercise stations, water fountains, parking lots, and bike repair stations are located. Download your free app from iTunes or Google Play.

Trails App Logo

Trails plan

The Trails Planopens PDF file is an important part of the overall Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, which was completed and adopted in 2013. It is key to achieving the overall goal of having a trail system that serves recreational to nonmotorized travelers and connects citizens with parks, neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. It sets the priorities for future trail acquisition and development and prompts City officials to have developers set aside trail easements when their development plans go through the City approval process.

A primary part of the Trails Plan is the proposed 30 mile trail loop around Columbia. This is explained in Chapter 10 – Trail Acquisition and Developmentopens PDF file . Note the following excerpt from Chapter 10, page 179 of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.

“The 2013 Trails Plan proposes an approximately 30 mile long trail loop around Columbia, consisting of the MKT Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, Bear Creek Trail, and the proposed Perche Creek Trail. In addition, the plan includes multiple connecting trails that link back to this main loop so that the trail system can be accessible to the majority of Columbia residents and resolves many of the current underserved areas.”

30 Mile Trail Loop Mapopens PDF file

Click on image above for an enlargement of the 30 Mile Trail Loop Plan

To date, about half of the 30-mail trail loop has been completed. The voter-approved extension of the 1/8-cent Park Sales Tax on the November 2015 ballot enabled more progress to be made toward completing the trail loop. (See 2015 Park Sales Tax Implementation Plan.) The Park Sales Tax is the primary source of funding for trail development projects.

History of trail development in Columbia, MO

Trails History

Choosing the right trail surface

Which is the best surface for trail construction – gravel, asphalt, or concrete? Learn about the pros and cons of each type of trail surface in the “Choosing the Right Trail Surface” presentationopens PDF file . (2.3mg)

Trail information for property owners

Concerned about a proposed trail through or near your property? See the “Columbia Trail System Community Benefits – Trail Information for Property Ownersopens PDF file ” brochure. This brochure is designed to answer questions that property owners near or adjacent to a proposed trail often have. Questions such as:

  • Does living near a trail create more crime in my neighborhood?
  • Will I be held liable for accidents on my property due to trail users?
  • Can living near a trail increase my property value?
  • Are there other benefits to living near a trail?
  • Can trail use positively impact the environment?

Property owners living within 200 yards of the MKT Trail were surveyed regarding their opinions about the impact of living near or adjacent to the trail.See survey results.

Missouri Statutes protect property owners adjacent to trails.
Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, 258.100 says in part, “Any person owning land adjoining the trail shall be immune from civil liability for injuries to person or property of persons trespassing  or entering on such person’s land without implied or expressed permission…”

Trail categories

Community Benefits - Trail Information for Property Owners

Destination (major) trails

The Bear Creek Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, and MKT Trail are the premier multi-use trails in Columbia. These 10-ft. wide trails with crushed limestone surfaces are good for walking, jogging, and biking. These three trails along with the future Perche Creek Trail will make up the proposed 30-mile trail loop around the city.

County House Trail and the South Providence Trail were added to the trail system in 2011. The Hominy Creek Trail (Phase I) and Scott’s Branch Trail were added in 2013. Grindstone Creek Trail was added in 2015. These trails are constructed out of concrete to reduce maintenance costs and provide consistent trail conditions. County House, South Providence, and Hominy Creek Trails have an alternative gravel side path along portions of the concrete trail. All of these trails connect residential and business areas to Columbia Trail System and the proposed 30-mile trail loop.

Each trail generally has several access points. Various trailheads provide parking and restrooms. See the subset for “Destination (Major) Trails in the Trail Directory for a list of Columbia’s major trails.

Major trail connectors

There are many connections that link neighborhoods to Columbia’s major destination trails. However, some of the larger connector trails provide an enjoyable trail journey within themselves.  See the subset for “Major Trail Connectors” in the Trail Directory for these connectors that trail users may enjoy exploring in addition to the premiere destination trails.

Mountain bike trails

Columbia has two mountain bike trails in its park system – one 4.1 mile dirt trail and one 0.2 mile skills course. See the subset for “Mountain Bike Trails” in the Trail Directory.

Trails in community parks, regional parks, and nature areas

Community parks are typically 15-100 acres, with a service area generally up to three miles. Regional parks are normally 200 or more acres, with a service area extending to five or more miles. Most of these parks provide parking and/or restrooms. Trails are usually just one of many recreation choices in these larger parks. Nature areas usually feature trails to explore and enjoy the natural, preserved green spaces. See the subset for “Community Park Trails” in the Trail Directory for a list of these parks.

Neighborhood park trails

Neighborhood parks are typically 5-10 acres and are designed to be within walking distance of surrounding neighborhoods. They typically do not include parking or restrooms. Neighborhood park trails provide opportunity for park users to get exercise near home, while tracking the distance covered. See the subset for “Neighborhood Park Trails” in the Trail Directory for a list of neighborhood parks with trails.  

Tracks – indoor and outdoor

The park system has one indoor track at the ARC and co-op use of four school tracks. The school tracks were funded in whole or part by the Park Sales Tax and are open to the public when school is not in session and not in use by the school. See the subset for “Tracks” in the Trail Directory. for a list of tracks available for public use.