rock bridge memorial state park

The "Rock Bridge" is a remnant of the cave that at one time filled the entire valley. The stream that hollowed out the cave by carrying away the limestone, still flows most of the year. The "Devils Ice Box " is the entrance to what remains of the cave and the several miles of caverns that exist today. Tours of this cave can sometimes be arranged in the late spring and summer.For the less adventurous, walking and hiking trails of almost any length set the tone for a relaxing adventure. Wildlife, both birds and mammals abound. There is no camping in the park but there are great sites, both developed and undeveloped, for having a picnic.

This park, like many of Missouri state parks, has wooden walkways with stairs and handrails when necessary, making it an easy walk for many people. Additionally, there are trails off the walkways to provide a more rugged hike. Maps are usually available at the parking lot although I have to admit I've managed to get lost within Rock Bridge Park (but just a little lost; still able to get out). The park is a good place for bird watching particularly in the mornings. Evening hours bring the rush of bats from the cave there, depending on the season. The park provides an excellent outing--a short drive from the city, plenty of parking, well-marked trails--and can be visited any time of the year.

If you're looking for a hike, beautiful scenery, or simply an exploration Rock Bridge State Park is the place for you. The drive to the park is a short ten to fifteen minute drive, allowing for a quick get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Absolutely beautiful! A lot of wildlife, beautiful scenery and designated walking paths easy to walk on.

We visited in October. Hiked both times we went. We enjoyed the scenery but it was basically mud paths in the woods. The bridge had been flooded and eroded. They are probably planning on fixing this soon. We made our own path across the creek in a shallower area and explored the other side. Neat site to see, good excercise, probably don't need to see it again.

This is a well hidden secret in Columbia. Its a very large park (so much so that annually they end up rescuing lost hikers) varied vegetation and lack of crowds makes it an ideal walk in the woods any season of the year.

This is a wonderful place to just let go and enjoy everything away from everyday life. A great place to mediate, too. Great for taking photos, too and an awesome romantic walk together with your loved one. It's also a great place for kids to use their energy and to learn about nature.

In addition to the natural beauty of this park there is much history. Walk the "Sink Hole" trail from the parking lot and see if you can find the groove in the sandstone outcropping from steel rimmed wagons on years gone by? HINT - on the right side of the small stream as you walk this trail. There was a mill to grind grains, a distillery and tannery among various businesses that once called this area home. The most famous of the "sink holes" is Devil's Ice Box. A great place to cool off with the steady stream of cool air escaping from the Ice Box. Be sure to take the trail that actually forms the rock bridge over the small stream.

The park has been updated since I used to frequent in the 70's, with wooden decks and paths to both the Rockbridge and Sinkhole (Devil's Icebox). Up the road is Rock Bridge City Park with great playground for kids of all ages. Our crew varied in age from 8 months to 60's!

Nice walk with nature. Nice trails. Wooden deck and stairs lead you down to the entrance of the cave. You really feel and enjoy the cool breeze on a hot Summer day.

Nice to walk these trails and enjoy the outdoors. Lots of people I know love this spot to go on walks, go spelunking, or just enjoy a day outside. They do close the caves in the winter, but the trails are open and clearly marked. The rock bridge itself is very cool to see. Not far away at all from main town of columbia

We were really surprised at how beautiful it was tucked back in among the trees and rocks. There were interesting things to see at every turn. The kids loved running on the trails.

Reminder: Missouri State Parks are FREE.Most of the reviews for this park are based on one area within it--the area accessed from the Devil's Icebox parking lot on Hwy. 163 near the Clear Creek bridge, that includes the boardwalk to the natural rock bridge and the entrance to Connor's Cave. The extensive Devil's Icebox Cave has restricted access and is closed to protect the bat population for part of the year. Check with the park staff about access to it.There is so much more to see and do here. Download a map before you go the first time (maps are also available in parking areas).In the portion around the main entrance (large sign on Hwy. 163 north of the Devil's Icebox lot) there are large picnic shelters and trailheads.The Gans Creek Natural Area is a large section with rugged karst terrain. There are fairly flat trails through grassland, including restored prairie, and several trails through the oak-hickory forest. The trails are loops, color coded/blazed and feature connectors to shorten the hike, if desired.The park is enjoyed by bikers, with the unfortunate result of trail degradation, especially when they ignore the signs prohibiting bikes in very wet conditions.The full range of park habitats is best enjoyed by walking. Even a short stroll can bring many delights. In addition to the karst features, abundant spring and fall wildflowers are easily observed along the trails.Birding is rewarding at all seasons, with Winter Wrens, Louisiana Waterthrushes or Hermit Thrushes found in the creek bed. Migrating warblers and vireos overhead in fall and spring join the nesting Worm-eating, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula and Kentucky Warbler, White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos. Seven species of woodpeckers and resident chickadees, titmice and nuthatches forage along the trails.Whether with young children in tow, or taking an orienteering challenge (very good course), looking for a picnic site, or chasing butterflies, this park has something to offer any outdoor enthusiast, year-round.

We enjoyed the trails to the rock bridge and devil's icebox. The trail was easy enough for young kids as well as a parent carrying a child.

The park has some pretty formations and some nice boardwalks if you can't handle mud/rocky terrain. Always enjoy our hikes here no matter which trail.