Moon Loop is a journey through a once-lost forest

Moon Loop Trail in the Cedar Creek Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest

A six-mile loop near Columbia follows a narrow trail through thick woods.

• Trail Moon Loop, Cedar Creek Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest

• Overview
  Moon Loop is a trail in the small segment of Mark Twain National Forest that is north of the Missouri River near Columbia, Mo. This pleasant six-miler is a mostly level walk through dense, dark forest comprised mostly of cedar, oak and hickory. It crosses Big Branch Creek – a crystalline rocky stream – two times. There are also occasional gaps of prairie. Moon Loop is a restoration success story. Before the Great Depression, the area was intensely farmed and quarried. This depleted the soil and caused many residents to leave in the 1930s. Some remnants of their farming efforts remain. The name “Moon Loop” refers to the appearance of the area before reclamation efforts were underway. This quiet, wooded trail is testament to reforestation efforts.

• Other hiking opportunities near Columbia, Mo.

  • The Pinnacles

  • Mark Twain National Forest Cedar Creek Trail

  • Mark Twain National Forest Moon Loop Trail

  • Three Creeks Conservation Area

  • Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

  • Eagle Bluff Conservation Area

  • Hart Creek Conservation Area

  • Rocheport/Diana Bend Conservation Area

  • Graham Cave State Park, Danville, Mo.

• Length

  • The loop is about six miles long.

• Address and location
  There are five trailheads for Moon Loop. All are rural and you can view them on the trail map below. The only one with an actual street address is an east trailhead at 8582-9201 S. Ginn Lane, Columbia, MO 65201. Parking is limited and will be on grass or gravel. Most access roads are gravel.

• Conditions Moon Loop is a natural surface trail that is in excellent condition. Topography is mostly level but there are some moderate hills and a few creek crossings.

• Kid friendly? Kids will have to be hearty hikers to enjoy this trail. Highlights for them will be the opportunities to play in Big Branch Creek.

• How busy? This trail is near Columbia, Mo., and is moderately trafficked.

• Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated).

• Bikes Yes unless otherwise designated.

• Official website