Unpacking the Multi-Faceted Trails of Grindstone Nature Area

Quick Facts

• Distance: 4 miles
• Level: Difficult
• Route Type: Network
• City: Columbia
• State: Missouri

Overview

Sprawling across 230 acres, Grindstone Nature Area offers a blend of trails appealing to mountain bikers of various skill levels. From flat gravel trails to steep, rocky inclines, this site in Columbia, Missouri, is less of a biking destination and more of an exploration ground. Here's what you need to know before gearing up.

Getting There

For easy access, take Stadium Blvd. from Hwy 63. At the traffic signal where Stadium intersects Old 63, make a left (south). Travel a mere quarter of a mile, and you'll find the area entrance beckoning on the right.

Trail Highlights and Rider Recommendations

A Diverse Network

• Approximately 4 miles of trails
• Blend of flat, crushed gravel paths and challenging singletrack
• Limestone cliffs, native prairie grasses, and a National Register Archaeologic Site

Trail Characteristics

• Singletrack trails along the creeks tend to be steep, rocky, and rife with cliff and ledge exposure.
• The core field is surrounded by a gravel trail, serving as a connector to the more difficult singletracks.
• Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for local fauna.

What Cyclists Are Saying

The trail network accommodates different difficulty levels—great for beginners but challenging enough for more experienced riders. Encounters with hikers and trail runners are common but usually don't pose visibility and speed issues. Notably, the singletrack trails sit on the periphery, in the hills along Grindstone and Hinkson Creeks. These are steep, rocky, and sparsely populated compared to the gravel trails.Some riders found the trail system "a bit lacking," highlighting that the challenging singletracks are not extensive. However, the access to Hinkson Creek Trail, a part of Columbia's greenway system, enhances its connectivity, making it accessible from various parts of the city.

Final Thoughts

While Grindstone Nature Area doesn't offer extensive miles of challenging singletrack, its diversity provides a rich experience for riders. Beginners will find the central field and gravel paths accommodating, while the more adventurous can test their mettle on the peripheral singletracks. Factor in the site's archeological significance and natural beauty, and you've got a biking locale that's more than the sum of its parts.