We hope that you will renew your membership in Jefferson City Trail Users for the upcoming year. Over the last membership year, JCTU worked hard to promote the use, maintenance, and improvements of local trails. We look forward to more hikes, rides, and improvements in the upcoming 2024-2025 year!
Jefferson City Trail Users Activities 2023-2024
Raised $800 toward trail kiosk improvements and new kiosks. The group will continue to raise more funds in the coming year for these improvements, which are planned for 2024.
Opposed the removal of $500,000 of capital improvements funding that had been promised for Parks projects since this would decrease the money available for greenways and park improvements. Sent a letter on this subject to City Council members on September 12.
Advocated for the use of a $500,000 federal grant administered by MODOT to fund more than half of the new Boggs Creek greenway on the east side of Jefferson City. The JC Parks Commission approved acceptance of the grant. The Trail Users also sent an earlier letter in support of the grant application on February 15, 2023.
Assisted JC Parks with the “The Trails Less Travelled Challenge” in 2023. The Challenge encouraged people to visit eight trail segments in city parks, and 400+ people participated. JC Parks awarded prizes.
Worked with JC Parks to advertise and lead Community Hikes. Community Hikes were held in March at Riverside Park on the trail in the woods; in May at the Deborah Cooper Riverfront Park; in June at the Binder Lake Problem Child Trail; in July at the Bill Quigg Commons in North Jeff; in August on the greenway between Southwest Blvd. and Stadium Dr.; in September at Frog Hollow; and in October on the greenways at Riverside Park. In November, a Veterans Day hike was held on trails at Binder Lake and in December an evening hike was held at McKay Lake. In January a Community Hike was held at the Noren Access, and in February at the Lincoln greenway.
Provided information about the NICA race for middle school and high school students that was held at Binder Lake on September 23-24, 2023. The group had many members assist with the event.
Increased the number of Facebook followers from 800+ to 1500+, which helps encourage people to use trails.
Performed intermittent volunteer maintenance and repairs at the Frog Hollow trail and Binder trails to assist JC Parks staff.
Prepared for the annual fundraiser of selling nature and trail photos. Attended the MU Extension’s Fall Festival and staffed a booth. Sold many pictures there and raised $130. Plus interacted with numerous people to promote JC Trail Users.
Sponsored “Get Acquainted Hikes” at locations outside Jefferson City. These included a trip to Prairie Garden Trust in May; to Rockbridge State Park in August; to Pine Ridge Picnic Grounds in September; and to Niekamp Park in November.
Participated in the Serve JC and helped cleanup Wears Creek and the greenway in Washington Park.
Continued to support and take an interest in the city’s grant awards for improvements at three greenway crosswalks. Improvements will start this spring.
Sent a letter signed by four representatives from the Trail Users group to MODOT about proposals for a highway ramp addition in North Jefferson City that will affect access to the Katy trail and people’s return from the trail to Jefferson City.
Sent a survey to the April 2024 City Council candidates in regard to support for parks and trails.
Removed bush honeysuckle and other invasive plants during trail maintenance.
Continued updating the group’s website.
Provided updates on developments of the Rock Island Trail and Bryant Creek State Park to group members.
Held meetings at Last Flight Brewing company most months during the year.
Meet the Central Missouri Lumberjacks
The Central Missouri Lumberjacks is our local composite mountain biking team for middle and high school students through the Missouri Interscholastic Cycling League! Founded in 2018, the Missouri League is a non-profit (501(c)3) Emergent League of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
OUR VISION is to improve the lives of Missouri’s youth and communities through cycling.
Our Mission is to provide high quality, safe and fun mountain bike programs for Missouri’s youth, exposing students to the opportunity to build strong body, mind, and character through an equal and inclusive scholastic-based program.
We facilitate the development of high school and middle school teams/clubs for grades 6-12 and provide the education, training, licensing, and insurance for coaches and volunteers. We also produce high-quality mountain bike events and races that emphasize the value of participation, camaraderie, positive sporting behavior, and well-being over competition. ~Missouri Interscholastic Cycling League
Learn more about the Missouri League and the Central Missouri Lumberjacks at https://missourimtb.org/.
Our official logo tee is available through JodiGirl’s Shirt Shack on Missouri Boulevard! Please contact JodiGirl’s directly for style, color, and size options!
Membership
We hope that you will join or renew your membership in Jefferson City Trail Users for the upcoming year! Over the last year, the Jefferson City Trail Users Group worked hard to promote the use, maintenance, and improvements of local trails. We look forward to more hikes, rides, and improvements in the 2023-2024 year!
The membership year is April 1 to March 31.A small portion of dues and donations covers our annual expenses, such as the website, flyers, and items for the Trails Less Traveled Challenge. However, the majority of dues and donations goes to our yearly special trail improvement project. Last year, the special project purchased materials for new trail signs at Frog Hollow. This year, the special project will donate funds for kiosk improvements at Frog Hollow or Binder Lake.
An annual membership is only $15 and includes your whole family!
HOW YOUR DUES WILL BE USED?
Your dues will be used for trail improvement, possibly in partnership with Jefferson City Parks and Recreation. Improvements that might be funded include:
Rock work or blocks in muddy areas
Trailhead improvements
Benches
Signs
Trail features for cyclists
Thank you for your support this past year!
If you are a renewing member and your address, phone, or email has not changed, you can simply mail cash or check/money order (payable to JC Trail Users) to: Jefferson City Trail Users, 1332 Hoffman Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65101. We investigated an electronic payment method but have not found one that works for us, so for now, the old method is best. You are also welcomed to join us for our monthly membership meeting and pay your dues in person!
If you are a new member, please download, complete, and return the JCTU Membership Form above along with your dues.
Jefferson City Area Trails
Looking for a trail to explore? Visit one of our many local-area trails highlighted below! Interested in a day-trip or a weekend adventure? There’s an app for that! Check out one of the Trail Users’ favorites:
The Greenway at Apache Flats goes about 1.25 miles and turns into Binder Park by the ballfields. It is flat and mostly in the sun; a couple of businesses along the way that sell drinks and snacks. One can continue on and walk or bike more miles in Binder Park.
——————————————————————–
Binder Lake Trails
Binder Lake Park has more than 15 miles of natural surface trails crossing gullies, rocks, logs, and fields. Divided into 4 loops (green, blue, red, and yellow), all of the trails have a fair amount of hill climbing, and most of them twist through the woods in shade. There are various places to the loops. The biggest parking area, with restrooms, is located at the former Bait Shop. From Highway 50 West, go to Apache Flats and north through the ball fields. Then turn left and cross a small bridge over the lake. In less than 1/4 mile, turn right onto the Park Road and go north on it to the parking area. The parking area is just past the boat launching ramp. The easiest loops of the trail can be entered by going past a kiosk across the road from the old Bait Shop.
These are multi-use trails with biking is allowed. Jefferson City Parks and Recreation provides support for the trails.
This 1.1-mile shady natural surface trail is quite hilly. It leads to a peaceful overlook at a place where William Clark viewed the Missouri River on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The overlook platform has benches and is a pleasant place for a drink or snack if you bring one. Osage Indian mounds were also originally located along the trail. The trail has a nice trailhead at Osage City and educational signs along its length. However, the trail can be muddy and slick, and there are a couple places where a bluff drops off not too far from the trail. So, supervise children on the more elevated stretches of the trail.
——————————————————————–
County Park Lake Trails
The paved trail at County Park Lake (also sometimes called Jaycees Park Lake) is 2/3 miles long and goes all the way around the lake. The paved trail is in the open with little shade. It only has one hill, though the hill is fairly steep, and connects to the Covington Gardens subdivision. There is also a cross-country running trail, near an iron sculpture, that makes a slightly longer loop with some gradual hills with more shade. There are two parking lots for these trails off of Fairgrounds Road in Jefferson City.
——————————————————————–
Creek
Trail Greenway
The Creek Trail Greenway extends from Creek Trail Drive near Capital City High School to the West Edgewood parking lot for the greenway on Edgewood Drive. This approximately .5-mile stretch of paved trail crosses under Highway 179 and includes a couple of gradual hills. At Capital City School, there are more wide sidewalks and greenways that extend around the perimeter of the school. All of these trails and the greenway are in the sunshine.
——————————————————————–
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area Trail
The overlook platform at the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area can be reached by hiking about 1.5 miles from a parking lot on Warren School Road. Or, for more adventure, you can climb a strenuous staircase and hill for .5-mile from the KATY trail. To get to the 160 or so steep wooden steps, go north on the KATY trail from Easley for about 4.5 miles or south from McBaine about 3.5 miles. Look for a small bicycle parking area with a bench on the bluff side of the trail. This trail is almost entirely in the shade. Follow the board walk at the top of the hill to a platform with a panoramic view of the 4400-acre Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. One caution: once, a visitor threw an apple core off the deck only to find it later on the Katy Trail below (so not a good idea)!
——————————————————————–
Earthquake Hollow
Located just to the southeast of New Bloomfield, Earthquake Hollow Conservation Area’s trail goes about .25-mile into the woods and then it dead ends. After that, you are on your own. The trees on the top of the hill where the trail ends are tall with little underbrush which makes it a spacious and scenic location. And hiking down the hill to the creek brings you to a place with many interesting rocks. However, climbing back up the hill is complicated by steep rock outcrops and the many fallen trees on the slopes. It may be advisable to track your path with a GPS so you can find your way back. Watch for snakes in warm weather!
——————————————————————–
Frog HollowTrail
Frog Hollow is a multi-use 3.25-mile long natural surface trail located in the woods above the paved West Edgewood Greenway in Jefferson City. The trail’s entrance is across the bridge off of the Greenway’s main parking lot, just west of Highway 179. A map of the trail is located at the end of the bridge, on the back side of a large board. It was put there in order to be oriented better for people to understand it. Signs are also posted at intersections. The two additional trail entrances are also shown on the maps – however, these entrances may involve wading if it has rained recently! The usual direction of travel is clockwise.
Most of the trail is in the shade. and has many features for hikers, runners, and bikers. Natural features include gully crossings, rock drops, and overhanging ledges. Several manmade features, including ramps, log piles, and bridges, offer challenges and excitement. It is necessary to remain alert when approaching corners since the trail twists frequently and vegetation can be dense. Jefferson City Parks and Recreation provides support for this trail but volunteers perform the trail maintenance.
——————————————————————–
Holts
Summit Greenway
The Holts Summit Greenway Trail is located at Hibernia Station Park next to North School and the Police Station. The trail is about .5 miles in length with shallow hills; many people make multiple laps. Summit has the only trail in the area with exercise equipment along it. The exercise equipment is easy and fun for all ages. Although it lies mostly in the sun, there are a few shady places including a picnic pavilion by the playground. Plus, located in an open area, winds from the north can make it a “refreshing” place to walk. Parking is by the playground.
——————————————————————–
KATY Trail Near Jefferson City
The North Jefferson Trailhead sits at the 143.2-mile marker on the historic KATY trail, spanning 239 miles across Missouri from St. Charles to Clinton. Bikers, hikers, and runners can head east or west on this Missouri State Park trail; distance is up to each user! Many do an out-and-back to a nearby destination, such as the Claysville General Store (open seasonally on weekends – be sure to check times before heading out!) or Hartsburg 10.5 miles to the west. The Hartsburg Trailhead offers seasonally available restrooms and water fountains, plus a bike repair stand. Local restaurants and bars are just a short ride away. Tebbetts lies 12 miles to the east and has a nearby seasonal café – be sure to check times before planning on a bite, though! Because of the seasonal operation of cafes and amenities along the KATY, it is important to take along drinks and snacks on the trail. This can be a factor in deciding how far to ride. In the summer, the trail is in the shade early in the day and often has a cool breeze later in the evenings. In the winter, the trail is still breezy and extra clothes may be needed. The KATY trail is often windy, and many people assert that there is a head wind both ways. However, the solitude and scenery make the KATY Trail a great place to go!
A pedestrian/bicycle bridge extends from West Main Street across the Missouri River to a parking lot at the Noren Conservation Access. This is a paved .5-mile trail with railings and fencing, plus two scenic Missouri River overlooks on the bridge. The square ramp on the river’s north side allows for a gentle grade going up and down – there are no stairs. This trail is in the sun and can be noisy from traffic at times, but it offers spectacular views of the Missouri River and floodplain. Parking can be found at a small plaza on West Main Street near the bridge and at the Missouri Conservation Department’s Noren access. A nice riverfront park adjoins the parking area.
——————————————————————–
Hyde
Park Greenway
A paved section of Greenway Trail goes from
Southwest Boulevard to the JCMG intersection at Stadium Drive and
Edgewood. This 1.3-mile section goes through woods along Wears Creek, then
parallels Hyde Park to Stadium, and continues to JCMG. Many people find
this Greenway segment to be very pleasant without much traffic noise until you
reach Stadium. The Greenway alternates with shade and sun. There are a
couple places with shallow hills and several benches are located along the
way. In addition, there are one or two footpaths down to the creek where
kids can skip rocks. At Southwest Boulevard, parking is available in the
Jefferson Bank lot near the gazebo. A few spaces for parking are also available
at the other end at JCMG and near Providence Bank.
——————————————————————–
Lewis and
Clark Wooded Trail
A hilly 1-mile trail goes through the woods from the Lewis and
Clark State Office to Riverside Park. This trail gives the user quite a
workout, particularly if it is traveled as an out and back path. The
gradient on the some of the hill stretches is challenging. However, it is
also possible to make a loop by using the mostly flat greenway along Riverside
Drive. The double-track trail in the woods has a gravel surface and is well
maintained. It is mostly in the shade. There are also a couple ways
to make shorter loops by taking side trails uphill to Riverside Drive. Parking
is available both at the Lewis and Clark Building just off of Riverside Drive
and at Riverside Park.
——————————————————————–
Lincoln
Greenway
The Lincoln Greenway begins at Chestnut Street
and continues through the historic campus of Lincoln University, past the
Lincoln Stadium, the Linc, the Boys and Girls Club, and Community Park to
Dunklin Street. This .9-mile stretch is mostly in the sun. There is
plenty of parking at several locations along the way and there are always
things to see and do along the route! One can continue another .3 miles by
going past the new tennis courts to McCarty Street. If you are taking
kids, watch them at crosswalks on Lafayette Street and Dunklin Street!
——————————————————————–
McClung
Park
McClung Park has about .25-mile of paved trail and a similar distance of natural surface trail in the woods. Both of these trails can be found by parking near the outdoor shelter. The trails have partial shade with a couple of hills on the natural surface. There is a beautiful view of the city from McClung park and several types of trees also have beautiful flowers in spring. Children will enjoy the playground at this location, too!
——————————————————————–
McKay Park
McKay Park has a paved trail that make a .6-mile loop around the lake. It is mostly in the sun and can be windy at times. However, there is a lot of interesting activity along the trail with a playground, picnic tables, and fishing. There are two large parking lots and one small parking area.
——————————————————————–
Memorial Park Greenway
Memorial Park has a very pleasant paved trail which makes various loops for a total of 1.3 miles. It is mostly in the shade and has interesting features along the way, such as playgrounds and a large shelter house. It’s possible to travel a flat route or one with a couple of hills. There is extensive parking along the trail. Several benches and picnic tables are also located along the trail.
——————————————————————–
Missouri Department of Conservation Headquarters
There are about 1.5 miles of trails at the
Missouri Department of Conservation Headquarters, which is separate from the
Runge Nature Center. The trails are mostly asphalt with an unpaved trail
in a field with wildflowers and wind along through a wooded area, near two
ponds, and through a field. It is possible to continue on to the Runge
Center. The trails are open to the public and can be accessed at several
points. The easiest way to find them is to park at the back of parking lot A
and go up a big set of stone stairs. This area is great for bird watching.
——————————————————————–
Painted Rock Trail
This 1.5-mile long natural surface trail is located at the Painted Rock Conservation Area on Highway 133, seven miles west of Highway 63, just south of Folk, MO. The first .5-mile is fairly flat, leading to a nice deck overlooking the Osage River. The trail then makes a loop going down and up steep hills before returning to the parking lot. A second deck gives provides another scenic view of the river. This trail is almost entirely in the shade. There are a few drop-offs on the riverside, so parents should watch their children carefully! Those with normal footing and stamina will not have problems, but children who trip quite a bit or who tend to roam off should be accompanied by a responsible person. The parking lot is large and maps are available a short distance down the trail.
——————————————————————–
Prairie
Garden Trust Trail
Prairie Garden Trust is a remarkable privately-owned nature area near New Bloomfield. It is open by appointment for walking during the months of April through October. The numerous trails traverse beautiful prairies and lead to woods, ponds, streams, and bluffs. Some paved trails are handicapped accessible, but many of the trails are mowed lanes through the fields. The paths are mostly flat with a steep hill down to the creek. The scenery is outstanding – truly spectacular when native wildflowers are in bloom in late June and early July! Many people go there to see plants or birds. Prairie Garden Trust holds guided hikes that are advertised on their website. Otherwise, visitors need to make a reservation a day ahead of time by calling 573-220-8660 or by emailing visit@prairiegardentrust.org. Directions are provided on the website.
——————————————————————–
Riverside Park Greenway
There is about a mile of paved trail in or near Riverside Park in Jefferson City. The trail inside the park makes a loop that includes some longer hills. The Greenway Trail going west from the park is basically flat. Almost all of the trail in this park is in the open with little shade. The trail offers a nice view of the Missouri River at an overlook and many places to picnic.
——————————————————————–
RungeNature Center Trails
The Runge Center has 2 miles of hiking trails (***no biking allowed***) with either asphalt or wood mulch surfaces. There is ample signage in the parking lot and at intersections. A fairly flat trail for those who are handicapped or who have problems walking far is also identified. The other trails have some flat terrain but there are also a couple of good climbs for those who want more exercise. Although one trail goes through prairie acreage, the majority of the trails are in the shade; one does have stairs. Footing can occasionally be slick in the winter. The parking lot is at the Runge Nature Center about .5 mile north of Highway 50 on Route 179 in Jefferson City.
——————————————————————–
St.
Mary’s Hospital Trail
St. Mary’s Hospital has more than a mile of
gravel trails that are open to the public. The trails go down a long hill
and meander past a pond, then through woods and back up the big hill. There are
several pleasant views and places to sit. The trailhead is found by leaving
from the cafeteria and following flagstones to a sign with a map. Walking the
trails can be a nice break at the hospital – provided you are willing to hike
back up again!
——————————————————————–
Scrivner Road Conservation Area
Scrivner Conservation Area is located about 3 miles south of Russellville off of Scrivner Road (watch closely for the sign). There are 8.5 miles of trail consisting of mowed lanes though the fields and woods, which go to a lake, the Moreau River, and a couple ponds. Walking is pleasant though hikers need to be able to walk over humps of grass and uneven terrain. Many birds frequent the area, so it’s a great spot for bird-watching! Both horseback riding and fishing are allowed; there is a shooting range there too. Several parking areas are available. Users may consult the Missouri Conservation Department’s map for the area to decide on parking. Some of the trails are in the woods and some in the fields.
——————————————————————–
Three Creeks Conservation Area
Located just south of Columbia, the Three Creeks
Conservation Area has over 4 miles of scenic trails. Field sections are easy,
but other trails offer big hills with rugged terrain. As the name suggests,
there are creek crossings which may need to be waded at times. The area boasts
Ozark type features with bluffs, caves, and pine trees; many interesting rocks
to look at in the creek beds; and plenty of violets in the spring and ice and
icicles in winter, make for interesting hiking. Trails are mostly shady,
especially in the low areas. Parking lots are reached from East Deer Park Road
by zigzagging down a gravel road for a couple miles. However, the road dead
ends at a big parking lot so you can’t drive past the trailhead. If you keep
going, you will get there! Looking at a map online will give you more
confidence that you are going the right direction.
——————————————————————–
Washington Park Trail
A paved Greenway starts on Dunklin Street in Jefferson City and extends 6.25 miles to County Park Lake. Washington Park is the first place you reach along the Greenway as you head west. The Greenway passes the tennis courts, ice arena, skate park and ballfields, then continues on behind McDonalds and Schnucks. People often use this part of the Greenway for transportation as well as exercise. There is a marked crosswalk on Kansas Street, by the ice arena, and vehicles do a pretty good job of watching for pedestrians or cyclists since the ice arena is a popular spot! Another marked crosswalk is further down the trail, at Southwest Boulevard, but vehicles do not do a good job of slowing down or stopping there, so please use caution! Do not let younger children go ahead on their own as you approach Southwest Boulevard! The rear driveway entrance to Schnucks is also right by the crosswalk.
Upcoming Events
December 8, 2024 – Community Hike
1:30 pm, Binder Lake Park
Weather permitting, join us for a 1.5-mile hike on the Problem Child loop at Binder Lake Park!
Meet in the open field at the corner of Rainbow Drive and Campground Court. Bring plenty of water and a light snack. Check back for a weather update closer to the event.
January 4, 2025 – Community Hike
1:30 pm, Runge Nature Center
Weather permitting, join us for a choose your own adventure hike on the Runge Nature Center trails! Runge’s five hiking trails total 2.4 miles through woodlands, prairies, glades, ponds, and a wet-weather stream. There are three accessible hard-surface trails and two more challenging woodchipped trails.
Please note that no pets, including leashed dogs, are permitted on the trails. Also, no skateboards, rollerblades, or bikes are permitted on the trails. Strollers are allowed. Expect wildlife (i.e. deer, turkeys) on the trails.Terrain is hilly.
Meet at the Runge Nature Center parking lot. Bring plenty of water and a light snack. The Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Check back for a weather update closer to the event.
January 15, 2025 – Monthly Meeting
5:00 pm, Last Flight Brewing Co.
Join us for our monthly meeting. All are welcome!
Last Flight Brewing Co. is located at 738 Heisinger Road.
February 9, 2025 – Community Hike
1:30 pm, Ellis-Porter Riverside Park
Weather permitting, join us for hike between the Ellis-Porter Riverside Park and the Lewis and Clark State Office Building! Choose the rugged wooded trail or the accessible greenway. The main group is planning to hike out on the wooded trail and return on the greenway.
Meet in the parking lot by the outdoor pavilion. Bring plenty of water and a light snack. Ellis-Porter Riverside Park is located at 300 Ellis-Porter Drive. To reach the pavilion, continue on Ellis-Porter Drive towards the back of the park; the pavilion will be on the right. Check back for a weather update closer to the event.
