Cedar Creek Trail System
Cedar Creek Trail is a 36-mile trail that goes throughout the western half of the Cedar Creek Area. The trail traverses between oak hickory forests and tall grass prairie lands. The trail consists of four main sections. The trail winds on the county roads, users should beware of mixed use of vehicles and hikers.
The Cedar Creek Trail provides an excellent opportunity to view the restored lands of 16,500 acres in the Cedar Creek area.
Before 1940 the land was heavily developed for farming, then, in the mid-1940s, the Soil Conservation Service began rebuilding both the soil and the forested lands by replanting trees and seeding grasslands. Now managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it provides recreational opportunities in the transition zone between oak-hickory forests and native prairies.
Southern Loop
- Length: 22 miles
- Trail Markers: gray diamonds
- Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
- Difficulty: easy, most of the trail is pasture or county roads
- Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material OR developed dirt road
The Southern Loop is 22-miles marked with gray diamonds. 2/3s of this trail are pasture or county roads. This loop you will be crossing Cedar Creek on the Barnett School Road Bridge. Users will cross Y Highway as they weave in and out of the Baskett Wildlife Research Area (University of Missouri). This loop connects to the Smith Creek Loop at Rutherford Bridge. It connects to Moon Loop at the far north end of the trail. It connects at Y Highway, to the east, with the Pine Ridge Section.
Smith Creek Loop
- Length: 5 miles
- Trail Markers: orange diamonds
- Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
- Difficulty: moderate, there are some slopes and stream crossings with no bridge
- Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material
The Smith Creek Loop traverses 5-miles. This section is marked with orange diamonds. There are amazing vistas of the Cedar Creek from bluffs above. A section of the trail crosses Smith Creek, there is no bridge at the crossing. The loop connects into the Southern Loop and can go up to the Moon Loop on the west side. Or, you can go south and connect in to the Pine Ridge section and connect into the Southern Loop.
Pine Ridge Section
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Trail Markers: grey diamonds
- Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
- Difficulty: moderate, there are some slopes and stream crossings
- Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material
The Pine Ridge Section is 2.8 miles and passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area . It connects from Y Highway on the east side of the Southern Loop up to Smith Creek Loop. You can start this section at Pine Ridge Recreation Area and hike to Dry Fork Campground. From Y highway to southern loop connection the trail is a Y shape, one segment goes into the campground and is foot traffic only, the other segment is open to horses. This section is marked with grey diamonds.
Moon Loop
- Length: 6.2 miles
- Trail Markers: yellow diamonds
- Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
- Difficulty: easy, most of the trail is pasture or county roads
- Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material OR gravel road
The Moon Loop portion is approximately 6.2-miles in length and is named for the moon-like appearance of the area caused by soil erosion in the 1930s. The area has since been restored. This loop boasts beautiful wildflowers, much of it crosses pasture and travels along gravel roads. It is located near Columbia and can be pretty busy on a nice weekend. This section is marked with yellow diamonds. There are two stream crossings going over the Big Branch Creek, there are no bridges. It is relatively flat.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
Accessibility
Pinde Ridge Recreation Area - Tables, toilet, grills, and lantern posts are accessible.
General Information
Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. There are no designated sites and no amenities.
Pine Ridge Recreation Area - This quiet campground in the pine forest has eight individual campsites, each with its own table, fire ring, lantern post and grill. There is a dumpster located in the campground.
Dry Fork Recreation Area - This out of the way campground has 8 single and 1 group site. Hitching posts are available at each site for equestrian use.
Safety:
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Available Maps:
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
January - December
There are no fees at trailheads.
Permits
- No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trail.
Trailheads:
Dry Fork and Pine Ridge Recreation Area trailheads have potable water. All other trailheads do not have potable water.
Along the Trail:
Open water sources along the trail are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
On the Trail
- Trail is open to hiking, biking and equestrian use.
- The Pine Ridge Section is hike/bike only.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
- Stock: never tie stock directly to trees.
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;
At the Trailheads
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Horses may not be tied directly to trees.
Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Parking
All trailheads have a registry board. This lets us know when trails are being used and how so we can better manage the trails.
Parking Areas
Most parking areas can fit 3 vehicles:
- Moon Loop Trailhead (Ginn Road)
- Moon Loop Trailhead (Barnes Chapel Road)
- Paris Chapel Trailhead
- Smith Creek Trailhead
- Pine Ridge Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
- Dry Fork Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
Directions
Trailheads to Access Moon Loop
- Moon Loop (Barnes Chapel Road)
- Rutherford Bridge Trailhead
- Moon Loop (Ginn Road)
Trailheads to Access Smith Creek Loop
- Smith Creek Trailhead
- Rutherford Bridge Trailhead
Trailheads to Access Southern Loop
- Paris Chapel Trailhead
Trailheads to Access Pine Ridge Section
Equestrian trailhead available at Dry Fork Campground. No equestrian use at Pine Ridge.
- Pine Ridge Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
- Dry Fork Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
- Dry Fork Recreation Area
- Dry Fork Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
- Moon Loop Trailhead (On Barnes Chapel Rd.)
- Moon Loop Trailhead (on Ginn Rd.)
- Paris Chapel Trailhead
- Pine Ridge Recreation Area
- Pine Ridge Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area
- Smith Creek Trailhead
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Day Hikes Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Horseback Riding Info
Cedar Creek Trail is approximately 36 miles long and offers a great opportunity to view over 16,000 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District with various wildlife habitats. The trail meanders through the oak hickory forests and tallgrass prairies, with the equestrian trailhead located at Dry Fork Recreation Area. Access to trail can also be found on many county roads in the area.
Camping amenities at Dry Fork Recreation Area include 8 primitive camp sites each with table, fire ring, and lantern post that can accommodate up to 30 foot RV’s or smaller vehicles pulling a trailer. Other amenities include pressurized drinking water, vault toilets, picnic area, and hitching posts. No camping fees, but donations are encouraged.
No horses allowed on Pine Ridge Section of Cedar Creek Trail, alternative route available.
Biking - Mountain Info
The Cedar Creek Trail located southeast of Columbia offers mountain bike trails that allow riders to negotiate low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, forest, and tallgrass prairie land. The trail offers approximately 36 miles of riding area. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to view over 16,500 restored acres in the Cedar Creek Ranger District and various wildlife habitats.
Viewing Plants Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils. Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home. Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
Within this wide and varied landscape there exists a diverse array of plants. Of the roughly 2800 species of plant in Missouri, about two-thirds can be found on the Forest. While most can be found commonly throughout the Forest, less common species can be found in specific natural communities such as calcareous fens, acid seeps, and glades (limestone, dolomite and igneous).
What to look for
- Native - MDC Field Guide
- Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Species - Mark Twain | MDC Species
Viewing Scenery Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils.
Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home.
Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
Viewing Wildlife Info
The Cedar Creek Trail provides multiple avenues to experience nature in its natural setting either by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Prior to 1940, the land was exceedingly cultivated by private land owners resulting in depleted and eroded soils.
Since 1953, the U.S. Forest Service has been managing this land and now Cedar Creek Trail offers a variety of wildlife habitats and plants species that call the oak-hickory forests and tallgrass prairies their home.
Plant and wildlife observers can now enjoy activities such as bird watching, rock hounding, and photography from the low ridges and tributaries of Cedar Creek, to the scenic bluffs overlooking the area.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
An online version of the Missouri Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on their website.
Recreation Groups
The areas listed below are not only easy to get to, but most are known locations for good birding.
These sites were selected because they have: