Bear Creek Trail

This trail system, located in northern Columbia links two of the city's most popular community parks, the 533-acre Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area and the 81.5-acre Albert-Oakland Park. In general, the trail follows the natural drainage system of the Bear Creek and runs in an east/west direction across the northern part of the city. The limestone trail is approximately 4.8 miles in length. Construction of the trail began in 1996 and was divided into four phases: Phase 1 - Garth to Creasy Springs, Phase II - Creasy Springs to Cosmo Park, Phase III - Garth to Hwy. 63, and Phase IV - Hwy. 63 to Albert-Oakland Park. The final phase of the trail was completed in 2001 and the trail was dedicated on November 4, 2001.

Cosmo Park - 1615 Bus. Loop 70 West...Take exit 125 toward I-70 BUS/West Blvd. At the traffic circle, take the 4th exit onto I-70 BUS E. trailhead is near the skatepark. Creasy Springs Access - 3201 Creasy Springs Road....From St Louis... I-70 W/US-40 W via the ramp to Kansas City take exit 125 toward I-70 BUS/West Blvd. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto N Creasy Springs Rd Destination will be on the left...Trailhead is from parking lot at 3201 Creasy Springs Road. Garth Access - 2799 North Garth Avenue... Take exit 126 for MO-163/Providence Rd toward Downtown Turn right at N Providence Rd. Take the 2nd left onto E Leslie Ln Take the 2nd right onto N Garth Ave Destination will be on the left. Albert-Oakland Park - 1900 Blue Ridge Road... From St Louis... I-70 W/US-40 W via the ramp to Kansas City take exit 127 to merge onto MO-763 N/Rangeline St turn right at Blue Ridge Rd. Destination will be on the right