“scramble, hike and bicycle through this scenic park”
Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world. Missouri has been blessed with an unusual diversity of native plants, animals and scenic areas. The state has some of the largest springs in North America and the second greatest number of caves in the United States. There are tallgrass prairies, deep rich forests, barren glades and numerous crystal clear streams. All these make for an unusually varied, beautiful and interesting natural history that has shaped Missouri's cultural history as well.
Very easy to get to and a great place to take a break from a drive, hike and enjoy nature! Follow the signs for Devils Icebox for a short, easy hike that is about a half mile loop. There is a cave and the rock bridge in that loop. As a heads up, the cave is closed during parts of March and April to protect bats in hibernation, but it's still worth the trip. You can walk under rock bridge and see a little waterfall.
The people who take care of this park do a great job and definitely care about nature and the wildlife there.
The devils Ice box trail and cave a a must see. It’s a very easy hike along a man made boardwalk. Lots of stairs but not to bad. Make sure to bring good hiking shoes and a flash light to walk down into the cave. You won’t regret it.
A mere 5 miles south of downtown Columbia you’ll find challenging hiking trails, scenic walking paths, hidden caves, and other natural wonders at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
Rock Bridge has eight mapped trail areas, each with gorgeous native scenery. For example, at Deer Run Trail, you can meander through peaceful forested areas, catching sight of Missouri’s native deer and birds as you take in nature. For a more adventurous hike, check out Devils Icebox Trail, where you’ll discover a 63-foot high rock tunnel that leads you into the 166-ft long Connor’s Cave.
We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Columbia, MO!
This is a great stop. Easy trails (lots of steps). Picnic tables and restrooms. Pretty scenery.
Devil's icebox is very easy, very fun and super awesome. Didn't have time for the longer hikes, but this one did not disappoint.
Great place. You'll need about 90 minutes to check it out. You could easily spend more than that time here. Lots of well marked walking and hiking paths. Water was flowing and you can easily explore under the rock.
Nothing too cool besides the cave. Good for a walk
Maybe I missed something, but I thought it was a bit boring. Maybe I'll try it again and then change my review, but for now I am not really sure what's so great about it.
Really easy to get to and very pretty! Wish we could've stayed longer.
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Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Hours
- Sun: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Mon: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tue: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Thu: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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