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Trail Directory

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. Trail hours for the Bear Creek Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, and MKT Trail are 6:00am to 11:00pm.

Below is a directory of the major trails in the park system, along with the neighborhood, community, and regional park trails. Click on the links below for more trail information.

How can you find the location of all the trails listed below? Click on this link for the Park Directory Map and Amenities list, which will has a map and list of all the City's park locations and amenities, including trails.

 

  Trail Directory
Trail Conditions Update (on the Park Blog)
Capital Improvement Projects
Trails Plan - (long-range trail plans)
Trails Map
(existing and funded major trails)
GetAbout Columbia
Choosing the Right Trail Surface
Park Patrol
Trail Info for Adjacent Property Owners
Trail Rules & Regulations
Bicycle Helmet Ordinance
Columbia Bike Map
Flood Damage Presentation - 09/2008

Couple and dog on MKT Trail

Photo of snow-covered MKT Trail
Photo of Bicyclists on the Bear Creek Trail

Capital Improvement Projects

A complete list of upcoming Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects (parks and trails) is listed on the Capital Improvement Projects webpage.

 

Please note that not all trail capital improvement projects are administrated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Some trail projects are funded by the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program and administrated by GetAbout Columbia. If you do not find an upcoming trail project listed below, information may be found on the GetAbout Columbia website.

 

Capital Improvement Projects

Year Completed Project Description
2008 New Restrooms at Scott Blvd. and Forum Blvd.
2009 Memorial/Heritage Bench Replacment (8 benches)
2008 Valleyview Trail improvements
2009 Forum Parking Lot - overlay and seal - (Annual Roads and Parking)
2010
Pending
MKT Bridges #12 & 13 Replacement
Bridge #12 Historical Display
  Hominy Branch Trail Phase I - Stephens to Woodridge Park
  Scott's Branch Trail Phase I - Russell Property to Gillespie Bridge Rd.
  Scott's Branch Trail Phase II - Chapel Pedway to Perche Creek
  Hinkson Creek Trail - Grindstone to Stephens (Phase I & II)
  MKT Trail - 3M Urban Ecological Restoration Project
  Grindstone Trail - Grindstone Nature Area to Confluence

Trails Plan

In 2002, the park planning staff updated the department's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan with a 2002 Facility Needs Update. This update shows long-range planning of a trail loop around the city of Columbia. In 2009, park planning staff began the process to update the trails plan. This process was initiated in response to the federally funded GetAbout projects and the overall growth of development in and around Columbia.   Staff reviewed and proposed primary, secondary and tertiary trail projects that are suggested for acquisition priorities.   Trail projects that were not funded by the GetAbout program are now included in this master plan.  The updated trails plan reflects current acquisition priorities and may be adjusted as respective areas in the community are developed. The 2010 Trails Plan has been approved with some modifications by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission (in conjunction with GetAbout Columbia). The below presentation and report was presented to the City Council for review at work session on February 22, 2010. After a public hearing, the 2010 Trails Plan was approved by City Council on April 5, 2010.

 


GetAbout Columbia

In 2006, Columbia was selected as one of four communities in the nation to participate in the Federal Highway Administration's Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot program. Columbia's designation as a pilot city came with $22 million in federal funds over a four-year period to help build infrastructure and establish national standards for public awareness and willingness to use active modes of transportation.

GetAbout Columbia was organized to administrate the federal funds and get the whole community moving and experience the benefits and enjoyment of walking and biking. Find out more at the GetAbout Columbia website.


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" presentation. (PDF - 2.3mg)


Park Patrol

Park Patrollers help keep City parks and trails clean, safe, and in good repair. Click here to learn more about the Park Patrol volunteer program.


Info for Adjacent Property Owners

Concerned about a proposed trail through your property? See "Trail Information for Property Owners" booklet.


Trail Rules and Regulations

  • Cyclists: Ride single file to the far right, at a speed that is reasonable and prudent. Exercise due care and sound warning when passing others. Cyclists are required by City Ordinance to wear a protective helmet - see below. Bicycle Route Map
  • Pedestrians:  Pedestrians shall proceed no more than two side-by-side and remain on the far right side.
  • Dogs: Dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash and reined into within four feet when approaching another person. Remove defecation and properly dispose.  For more information on dog confinement and dog running areas, see Park Rules & Regulations and Leash Free Areas for Dogs.

Please, clean up after your pet!

  • Users are asked not to disturb or remove any plants, animals or other property.
  • No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.
  • Prohibited activities include: camping, trapping, horseback riding , hunting, and advertising.

Effective May 10, 2003, the following City Ordinance regarding the use of bicycle helmets is in force.

City of Columbia - Code of Ordinances

Sec. 14-491. Definition.

As used in this article, the word "cycle" shall mean any device upon which a
person may ride; propelled by human power, having two (2) or more wheels, excluding wheelchairs.

Sec. 14-509. Use of Helmets.

(a) No person fifteen (15) years of age or younger shall ride a cycle within the city limits as an operator or passenger without properly wearing an approved bicycle helmet securely fastened by chin or neck strap.

(b) An approved bicycle helmet is headgear which meets or exceeds the impact standard for protective helmets set by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission federal safety standards.

(c) No parent, custodian, or legal guardian of a person fifteen (15) years of age or younger shall allow that person to ride or be a passenger on a cycle within the city limits as set out in this ordinance without wearing an approved bicycle helmet. This is an offense of absolute liability.

Sec. 14-509 510. Penalties.

Any person sixteen (16) years of age or older who violates any provision of this act is guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Such an infraction does not constitute a crime, and conviction shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a criminal offense. If any person under sixteen (16) years of age violates any provision of this act in the presence of a peace officer possessing the duty and power of arrest for violation of the general criminal laws of the state or for violation of ordinances of counties or municipalities of the state, such officer may impound the cycle involved for a period not to exceed five (5) days upon issuance of a receipt to the child riding it or to its owner.


 
 
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