Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives hikers a chance to scramble through caves and see a rock bridge and sinkholes.
I went with David and my son. We only had a few hours to explore two sites, but even in that short time, we were left in awe of the place.
DEVILS ICE BOX TRAIL
This .5-mile rugged trail is primarily a boardwalk.
Rock Bridge
After a short walk, you come to a 63-foot-high natural tunnel known as a rock bridge.
We explored the cave-like rock bridge. Water does flow through here, but it was low on this day. The rocks are large so it takes some climbing around if you go through it.
After exploring the rock bridge we went further along the boardwalk.
Devil’s Icebox
Ahead were stairs that go down a long way and lead to the double sinkhole entrance of Devil’s Icebox.
Going down quite a few stairs you can explore the 166-foot Connor’s Cave, downstream to the left. It is open year-round.
Park rangers recommend flashlights, helmets, and good shoes. Devil’s Icebox Cave, which is upstream, to the right, is closed to the public.
Our Time Below
We explored a short distance into the cave watching our heads in the low clearance in places.
Then we emerged back up to the many wooden stairs and boardwalk once more.
Final Thoughts
There are many trails here. This is the shortest one you can do but does go to the two main sites, the rock bridge and Devil’s Icebox. Next time I come here I hope to explore more of this unique area south of Columbia, Mo.
DETAILS:
Drive: Take Interstate 70 to Columbia, Mo., then take exit 128A and go south on U.S. Highway 63. Then exit onto Discovery Parkway going west. Make a left onto Rock Quarry Road then another left onto Missouri Highway 163 and look for parking on the right.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Daily
Address: Devil’s Icebox Trail, Columbia, MO 65203
OTHER TRAILS
Deer Run Trail
A 3.8-mile natural surface loop trail that follows the hills along the park’s northern and western boundaries. Trailhead reached along the Park Office road.
Gans Creek Wild Area Trail
A 6.6-mile natural surface trail that is in the Gans Creek Wild Area of the park. Small streams dissect the hills and flow into Gans Creek, which is surrounded by high bluffs. Trailhead is off Bonne Femme Church Road.
High Ridge Trail
A 1.7-mile natural surface trail that climbs to one of the highest points in the park, follows a ridge and provides scenic views of the surrounding park and native grasslands. Trailhead is located off Rock Quarry Road.
Sinkhole Trail
This 1.4-mile natural surface trail offers sinkholes and much more. After leaving the trailhead in the Devil’s Icebox parking area, the trail follows an old road through the historic site of Rockbridge Mills to a spring with a concrete pad and pipes left over from the early 1900s. The Trailhead location is the same as Devil’s Icebox trail.
Grassland Trail
It is a 1.9-mile natural surface trail. Bright wildflowers and swaying grasses clothe the gentle terrain that is marked by scattered wooded sinkholes. Trailhead is off of E. Rock Bridge Lane.
Karst Trail
This 1.9-mile natural surface trail is named for all the karst topography that is prevalent in the area. Karst is a word used to describe land that is filled with sinkholes, caves, and underground streams. This trailhead is located off S. Fork Lane just off Missouri Highway 163.
Spring Brook Trail
A 3-mile natural surface trail that winds its way through woods and old fields and along small intermittent streams. Trailhead reached along the Park Office road.
MORE CENTRAL MISSOURI HIKES
Grand Bluffs: Hiking High Above The Missouri River
A view from 300-foot high bluffs, some of the highest along the Missouri River, awaits you at Grand Bluffs Conservation Area near Hermann, Mo.
Dad Hikes: Prehistoric Graham Cave State Park
Graham Cave State Park is right off Interstate 70 and is a hike into ancient history. Hiking through the park you walk in the footsteps of hunter-gathers thousands of years ago who found shelter in Graham Cave.
