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Gans Creek Wild Area - Wagon Wheel Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gans Creek Wild Area - Wagon Wheel Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Gans Creek Wild Area - Wagon Wheel Trailhead
“Beautiful hike but be prepared as it can be some challenging terrain!”
This area is very close to Rock Bridge. If you are looking for a moderately hiking area, you have found it. Hiking this area in the fall is a must, if you like fall color. There are plenty of maples and hickories with the bright yellow fall color. The trailed can be a bit difficult to follow.
It's easily one of the doggo and I's favorite hikes to get out on every week! Each season has something to offer as you walk along the forest and creek. I can't tell you how many hours we have spent here but each time it is when it and enjoyed
This is the Wagon Wheel entrance to the trail, make sure to take a look at the map before you venture in. Several trails criss-cross and if you're not paying attention you can easily get turned around. The orange-blaze trail is the longest and does about a 5 mile loop through the park.
The Wagon Wheel Trailhead provides easy access to the trails in Gans Creek Wild Area from Columbia. The trail surfaces are generally in good condition. The trail appears well maintained even with restrictions on use of tools in wild areas.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hike but be prepared as it can be some challenging terrain!”
“The orange-blaze trail is the longest and does about a 5 mile loop through the park.”
Plan your run at Gans Creek Wild Area - Wagon Wheel Trailhead
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.
- Websitemostateparks.com
- Phone(573) 449-7402
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 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.
Gans Creek Recreation Area
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Shooting Star Trailhead
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Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
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Popular for its hiking & biking trails, this park boasts a large cave system & a rock bridge.
Grindstone Nature Area
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Capen Park
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31.9-acre park featuring hiking trails, a creek & rocky bluffs with scenic overlooks.