Jefferson City Trail Users

Join or Renew your Membership for 2024-2025

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.

Not a member? Join today–just $15 for the whole family! Visit our Membership page for details and membership form.

City Council Candidates – Survey Results about JC Parks

Most of the funding for the greenways and trail maintenance comes from the JC Parks’ budget. The Jefferson City Trail Users sent a survey to the eight Jefferson City City Council candidates running in contested races on issues related to JC Parks and their overall priorities. Responses from the four candidates who replied are below. Election Day is April 2.

Note: Mike Lester (Ward 2) is running unopposed and was not surveyed.  

Candidates surveyed –
• Ward 1: Jack Deeken (no reply); Randy Hoselton (no reply)
• Ward 3: Treaka Young; Amy Brix
• Ward 4: Chris Leuckel; Randall Wright (no reply)
• Ward 5: Mackenzie Job; Virginia Shetler (no reply)

Question: A current council member is proposing a change to the city charter so the Parks Commission would not remain an independent entity and all JC Parks decisions would be required to be approved by the City Council. This will politicize the functions of the Parks Commission. In three sentences or less, do you support these changes?

Young (Ward 3): “I do not support the changes. The Parks Commission is doing a great job, and they have my full support. The voters of Jefferson City voted on the city charter and recreation dedication sales tax, and we should continue to support and respect their wishes.”

Brix (Ward 3): “I am not in favor of politicizing our Parks Commission. A change in our city charter would require a vote of our citizens, and it is hard for me to believe that citizens who have supported funding our parks with its own sales tax, would vote to limit Parks and Rec by transferring its decision making to the city council. Should that make it to the ballot, my voice would be to leave things as they are.”

Leuckel (Ward 4): “Fundamentally, I disagree with the notion that the charter should be amended to where the Parks Commission becomes an advisory body.  The City Charter relating to parks has proven a success. The citizens overwhelmingly supported the Parks Commission be non-partisan and of the people. Changing the City Charter would alter the course of our parks in such a way that would greatly affect our ability to build, maintain, and reinvest in all areas of our department. Many are trying to figure out how to grow our community; they should see the value and importance of ensuring our parks offer our citizens and guests the opportunity to enjoy our 20 parks, 40 miles of trails, 13 playgrounds, 15 ball fields, two swimming pools, amphitheater, and award winning public golf course, a wellness and recreation center, and an ice arena of which all sit on over 1,400 acres.”

Job (Ward 5): “I do not support changing the current structure of the Parks Commission.  The nine committed volunteers who make up the Commission have diverse interests and a passion for recreation, which ensures that the Parks and Recreation budget remains focused on parks and that the money is not diverted to other departments based on the priorities of the Council. By keeping a dedicated Parks Commission, we can encourage long-term planning and fiscal responsibility, which is essential to completing projects and delivering on promises made to the community.”

Question:  Police and fire protection as well as street and infrastructure are known priorities of all council candidates. In three sentences or less, what are your additional priorities?

Young (Ward 3): “My additional priorities include Economic growth, which includes sustained and planned city growth, support for small businesses, and Transparency and civility. I will advocate for regular public meetings about projects like the proposed downtown conference center and for the city to have a web landing page with timelines and frequently asked questions.”

Brix (Ward 3): “Although public safety remains my chief concern, community assessment has indicated affordable housing as one of our most pressing issues. For our community to thrive, we need to address this issue.”

Leuckel (Ward 4): “I certainly support our public safety professionals and importance of investing in our infrastructure.  A strong Parks Department is a key component to having an emerging community.  My additional priorities start with doing my part to bring civility and humility to the City Council but to always put the best interest of our citizens first. I believe in caring enough to make a difference. That is my guiding principle.”

Job (Ward 5): “Improving the quality of life for everyone living in Jefferson City is my top priority. My campaign focuses on government transparency, increased public input in decision-making, cleanup of abandoned properties and litter, economic development, and sustainability by encouraging active transportation, intentional landscaping with Missouri’s native plants, and diverting waste from our landfill.”

Question:  How important do you feel parks and trails are to city residents? Please rate their importance on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being not important and 5 being extremely important.

Young (Ward 3): “I rate it as a 5. As a mother who raised two sons in Jefferson City, we spent much time at the parks throughout the city. We swam at Memorial and Riverside Parks and appreciated the low cost of accessing the amenities, the cleanness, and the welcoming customer service we received while enjoying the swimming pool and other services.”

Brix (Ward 3): “Jefferson City parks and trails have been woven into our family culture. My children grew up utilizing all of our beautiful parks, pools, and ice skating rink and we continue to use the trails now that they are older. For a community our size, we have been blessed with outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities.  For me, parks would rank a 5 in importance.”

Lueckel (Ward 4): “My belief is that nearly 70 percent of our community would rate parks a 4 or 5. My hope is that the strong base of parks supporters will be heard as some on the City Council continue their quest to gain control of our Parks Commission.

Job (Ward 5):  “5. It is a known fact that access to parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces greatly affects our quality of life—88% of Jefferson City residents surveyed for our last comprehensive plan echoed that sentiment.  Our parks and recreation facilities are an asset to our community.”

Find your Ward

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/.

Trail Users in the News

Another successful Community Hike happened on Sunday, February 5, 2023! Read about the Moonlight Hike’s adventures in the News Tribune here: https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/feb/06/community-hikes-send-residents-exploring-area/

JC Parks’ Molly Bryan mentioned the Trail Users in her HER Magazine article, “Active Outdoor Hobbies for Women”! Read it here: https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/jan/31/active-outdoor-hobbies-for-women/

Trail Users Logo T-Shirts are here

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!

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.

Please join or renew your membership today!  

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

• Receive notice about trail events  
• Provide input on trail improvements
• Meet others who enjoy trails
• Attend trail outings during the year
• Join with others to promote and lobby for trails

MEMBERSHIP DUES

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.

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:

https://www.alltrails.com

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Apache Flats Greenway

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.

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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.

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Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site Trail

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.

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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.  

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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.

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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)!

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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!

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Frog Hollow Trail

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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! 

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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!

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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Runge Nature 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.

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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!

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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.  

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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.

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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.

May 4, 2024 – Get Acquainted Hike

9:00 am, Prairie Garden Trust

Join us for a hike around the 240-acre nature garden. Meet in the PGT parking lot at 9:00am or in the Holts Summit McDonald’s parking lot at 8:30 am to carpool/caravan. Prairie Garden Trust is at 8945 Co. Route 431, New Bloomfield, MO 65063.

Bring plenty of water, a light snack, and bug spray!

May 15, 2024 – Monthly Meeting

5:00 pm, Last Flight Brewing Co.

Join us for our monthly meeting. All are welcome! Plan to sit outside, weather permitting.

Last Flight Brewing Co. is located at 738 Heisinger Road.

May 19, 2024 – Community Hike

1:30 pm, Ellis-Porter Riverside Park

Join us for a brisk hike along the gravel trail that runs between Riverside Park and the Lewis and Clark State Office Building! We will hike the gravel trail out then return on the greenway. Or hike the greenway both ways for an accessible option.

Meet by the Parks building that was restored, just across the road from the pavilion. Bring plenty of water, a light snack, and bug spray.

June 1, 2024 – National Trails Day

Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking one of our many local-area trails!

June 8, 2024 – Community Hike

9:00 am, Missouri Conservation Headquarters

Join us for a hike around the headquarters area! Headquarters are at 2901 West Truman Boulevard. Meet in the upper parking lot that is closest to the road.

Bring plenty of water and a light snack.