Hiking Trails for the Day in Columbia, Missouri

There is nothing like a hiking in Columbia, Missouri. Columbia is a beautiful area with many outdoor activities, including day hikes, so put on your boots and pack a small backpack to head out for a hike.

Cosmopolitan Recreation Area
Stadium Blvd & Bus Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO

Cosmo park holds a little known hiking trail in Columbia, Missouri. The trail begins down the hill behind the skate park and winds around behind the main recreational area of Cosmopolitan Park. This trail has a fun boardwalk that at certain times is actually over a watery swampy area and winds through an old rock quarry which is fun for older children to walk around in. Parts of this trail are a bit rough if you have never hiked before but someone in moderate shape should be fine.

The MKT and KatyTrail

The MKT starts at Flat Branch Park and begins a very leisurely hiking trail in Columbia, Missouri. This trail connects to the Katy Trail, a great trail that spends much of its time following the Missouri River and is one of the few trails that is handicap accessible. This trail is large making it easy for many people to be on the trail at a time without it seeming crowded.

Pinnacles Youth Park
U.S. Hwy 63 N, 12 Miles north of Columbia

The Pinnacles, as this hiking trail in Columbia, Missouri is known as, is one of the most unique trails in the surrounding area. There are several trails along the 75 foot high ridge. There are simple trails for those who cannot make it to the top as well as areas in which you can rock climb your way to the top.

Rockbridge State Park and Devil's Ice Box

5901 South Hwy. 163
Columbia, MO 65203

This is one of those hiking trails that just about everyone in Columbia, Missouri visits at some point. Much of the trail to the Devil's Ice Box cave is a boardwalk making it easy for even those with little hiking experience or who have a low fitness ability. There are several areas to sit and relax before going on and the views are pretty at any time of the year. This trail is often busy and the narrow boardwalk means you are walking around people much of the time. This hiking trail is best visited during the week when there may be less people.