About the Area
Bear Creek Trail can be accessed from several locations throughout Columbia, providing visitors with opportunities to explore a variety of habitats along the Bear Creek corridor. In addition to the trailhead at Cosmo Park, other access points include trailheads at Creasy Springs Road, Garth Nature Area, and Albert-Oakland Park. Each trailhead provides unique birding opportunities, making Bear Creek Trail a rewarding destination throughout the year.
The section beginning at Cosmo Park follows a 1.5-mile gravel path through woodland habitat. Before entering the forest, visitors can explore open grassland and brushy areas that often host American woodcock, white-throated sparrow, brown thrasher, and eastern towhee. Within the woodlands, watch for hairy, downy, and pileated woodpeckers. As the trail approaches Bear Creek, species such as Louisiana waterthrush, red-shouldered hawk, and green heron become more common. At Albert-Oakland Park, the trail passes through athletic fields and a disc golf course before entering the riparian woodlands along Bear Creek. Common backyard birds such as dark-eyed junco, northern cardinal, chickadee, tufted titmouse, and blue jay are frequently observed along with seasonal migrants including orioles, thrushes, vireos, and wood-warblers.
From Ashland, get on U.S. Highway 63 North in Three Creeks Township from E. Broadway. Follow U.S. Highway 63 North to State Route B/Paris Rd in Columbia. Take the State Route B exit from U.S. Highway 63 North. Continue on State Rte B/Paris Rd to Blue Ridge Road, where you will see the park entrance on your left.
Dining and lodging are available in nearby Columbia. While Columbia offers the typical chain restaurants, there are many local favorites as well. For its size, Columbia hosts many art museums and theaters, adding a splash of culture to central Missouri. Residents will also be familiar with the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail, a spur of the larger Katy Trail, which allows foot and bike traffic across the city. Many beautiful parks are scattered throughout the city that offer birding opportunities in their own right.