Mark Twain National Forest

Cedar Creek Trail

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Cedar Creek Trail is formed by 3 loops, crossing 36 miles of pastoral countryside. Two-thirds of the trail is cross-country; the rest is along gravel roads.

Area Attractions:

Trail:
Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.

A printable brochure is available for download (Click here to open the document, 45k, pdf format)

Rating: Moderate.
Length: 36 miles
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, spring
Restrictions: No motorized use.
Use: Foot travel, horseback, mountain bike
Other Activities: Backpacking, bird watching, primitive camping
Safety: During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Watch for trail markers, and use the self-closing gates when crossing pastures.

Trailheads: The Cedar Creek Trail has three vehicle access trailhead developments; Pine Ridge Recreation Area, Dry Fork Campground, and Ginn Lane Trailhead.

Other Area Attractions:
Dry Fork Recreation Area
Carrington Pits
Little Dixie Lake State Conservation Area
Rock Bridge State Park
Three Creeks State Conservation Area
Katy Trail State Park.
University of Missouri Basket Wildlife Research Area

How to get there:

From Fulton, MO, take Hwy 54 south 2.5 miles to Route H; go about 6 miles to Rte J. Turn south on Route J and
go about 2 miles to Rte Y. Turn west on Rte Y; go 2.5 miles to Pine Ridge Recreation Area.
From Columbia, MO, take Hwy 63 south 11 miles to Hwy Y at Ashland, MO. Go east 7 miles to the Pine Ridge Recreation Area.

Stay on the trail to avoid causing soil erosion.
Leave no trace and pack out what you pack in