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Shooting Star Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shooting Star 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.
Kid-friendly area for hiking with a creek, horses, and an overlook.
What runners say about Shooting Star Trailhead
“Pretty nice trail with a couple of scenic bluff overlooks.”
Fantastic trail! A key point of interest is the large overlook from a natural bluff! Below is a creek that provides a decent place to take a dip (especially for a furry friend). Very well-maintained trails and lots of natural beauty!
It's a beautiful trail! We've hit it 3 times since someone recommended it. Make sure you grab a map, because the area is actually 3 overlapping trails in 1. (Outer loop is Gans Creek Trail, plus Wagon Wheel trail.) Bug spray is a must-have, and it gets pretty muddy in spots after some rain.
*Trail goes through camp area! It was a beautiful, peaceful trail. With so many varieties of plants and terrain. It took longer than thought and was not prepared. I HIGHLY suggest taking water and snacks. Did really well until the end.
Nice overlooks. Nice and moderately easy hiking. Please pick up your dog waste while traversing the trails and watch for horsey road apples.
Trail conditions & character
“A wonderful place to hike, you get to cross stream, climb up pretty steep hills, and see amazing views”
“I didn't realize I needed to go through the camp area to stay on trail and get back to parking area.”
“A wonderful place to hike, you get to cross stream, climb up pretty steep hills, and see amazing views”
“) Bug spray is a must-have, and it gets pretty muddy in spots after some rain.”
“Provides easy access to the Gans Creek Wild Area Loop Trail.”
“Please pick up your dog waste while traversing the trails and watch for horsey road apples.”
Plan your run at Shooting Star Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemostateparks.com
- Phone+1 573-449-7402
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 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
4.7 ★★★★★ 230 reviews
320-acre regional park with multi-purpose fields for baseball/softball, football & soccer.
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
4.7 ★★★★★ 475 reviews
199-acre park featuring nature trails & scenic overlooks, plus picnicking & a leash-free dog area.
Capen Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
31.9-acre park featuring hiking trails, a creek & rocky bluffs with scenic overlooks.