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Forum Nature Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 191 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forum Nature Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park for walking featuring wildlife and scenic trails.
What runners say about Forum Nature Area
“The trail is beautiful and well maintained, and you can see lots of waterfowl in the man made wetlands.”
“Love this place quiet serene beautiful creeks amazing pictures you can take there with all of nature around you that you can love.”
“Love this place quiet serene beautiful creeks amazing pictures you can take there with all of nature around you that you can love.”
“i know my dog loves it, I bet your dog would love it too.”
Beautiful area with nice walking paths and wildlife. I saw 2 deer, 1 snake, a decent amount of fish, and at least 52 turtles! There weren't too many people, and it was a nice place to get in some steps and get away from the sounds of the city.
Columbia's MKT trail system is excellent, but if sharing your walk with cyclists makes you jumpy, try this nature trail area. Many trees are labeled, and there's plenty of benches for taking a break.
Went for a walk with my siblings and dog. Within the first 10 minutes we saw 4 bucks, including one that walked right in front of us. Overall we saw 12 deer on our 30 minute walk. The trail is beautiful and well maintained, and you can see lots of waterfowl in the man made wetlands.
I love this place. Had some great birding and fun trails. There's a beaver that lives around and lots of deer. The Katy trail goes through it. Lots of frogs, millipedes, wolf spiders etc on the trails in the summer.
Trail conditions & character
“Love this place quiet serene beautiful creeks amazing pictures you can take there with all of nature around you that you can love.”
“Great for a nice walk, jog, just a sit down and play with the dog.”
“Love this place quiet serene beautiful creeks amazing pictures you can take there with all of nature around you that you can love.”
“There is a public restroom and drinking fountains available in the parking lot.”
“There is a public restroom and drinking fountains available in the parking lot.”
“There is a public restroom and drinking fountains available in the parking lot.”
Plan your run at Forum Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecomo.gov
- Phone+1 573-874-7460
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Columbia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands
4.8 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
Well-maintained trail popular for jogging, walking and bicycling, with frequent wildlife sightings.
MKT Nature and Fitness Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Park featuring a public restroom and walking and biking trails.
MKT Trail - Scott Boulevard Access
4.7 ★★★★★ 138 reviews
Playground featuring a train motif alongside a basketball court and soccer field.
Jay Dix Station
4.6 ★★★★★ 206 reviews
Neighborhood park offering a bike track, a playground, a skateboarding area, and an outdoor gym.
Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 221 reviews
This 90-acre park is a preserve for native plants & animals, with walking trails & a picnic shelter.
