3 Creeks Conservation Area trail photo
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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +450/ -333 ft
Total: 21 riders
 

Mountain Biking 3 Creeks Conservation Area

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#46 of 169 mountain bike trails in Missouri
#3,560 in the world

3 Creeks Conservation area has several trail loop variations. There are various trails heads by the parking area, and beyond the gate down the access road. Some of the loops are short runs, while the outer loop is 8 miles. At various points in your ride you will be able to switch to other loops. Three Creeks trail is for the beginner to intermediate level riders. The hills are short and sweet with some pretty decent downhill runs. There are some fast, flowy sections along the river that you will enjoy. I recommend that you ride this trail a couple of times to find your favorite route. Enjoy.

First added by on Mar 15, 2010. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From Columbia Missouri at the Highway 63 and Interstate 70 Junction. Head South on Highway US 63 for 7.7 miles. Turn right on E. Deer Park RD. (E. HWY AB). You will be on a gravel Road For about 2.4 miles, until you come to the Three Creeks Conservation sign. The gravel road will have some sharp turns so be prepared, and drive slowly.


3 Creeks Conservation Area Trail map

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Jack W (Jul 28, 2017)
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Wet (Jul 12, 2016)
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Reviews

  • battlebeetle
    ***

    Singletracks needs to update the trail length. It used to be open to bikes in more areas, but now it is restricted to a single 2-3 mile loop. The loop features water crossing, loose rocks, and 2 steep hill climbs. I would recommend this trail for an intermediate rider in good conditioning. Fun trail, just wish it was longer.

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  • MTBCrash29   ✓ supporter
    ****

    Trail I rode started way back in the area. Started as a double wide trail then found the single track. Good trail, shared with horses so there are plenty of areas that have beat up areas and poo. Trails were marked fair but not to the point that I was well aware of my location at all times and needed to stop often to check on myself. Several dry creek beds and neat areas to stop and check out the scenery. Had a great downhill session but ended at a complete dead end that required me to climb out. I think I was off the trail.... Had to cut short due to poor timing on my part but I think it is a solid trail.

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  • Mark Alvarez
    *****

    This trail is not intense but the geography and nature is the best around. I would recommend starting at the north parking lot and using the loop there to connect to the main loop. The downhill from the parking lot is very good, but finding the other part of the loop off this lot on the return is difficult but rewarding, I have memorized all the trails and cool topography at this park so if you have questions, ask me.

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  • Eric Poehlein
    ****

    I accessed the southern loop via Meyer Ln. I do not believe it connects to the NE section of the CA anymore. I did the loop twice. It is more fun I think backwards. Steep rocky descents (sorta tricky), some roots, some creek crossings, some mud, some erosion, total solitude, a lot of fun I think. I'll go back. This MO CA has free primitive camping within it.

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  • gfs968
    **

    First half mile was fine, then you got into some very overgrown rough areas. Not an easy ride. If it was maintained better it could be fun.

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  • CFM   ✓ supporter
    **

    I was disappointed by this ride. It consisted of mainly double track ATV trails. The small amount of "singletrack" is horse trail down in the creek bottoms that was so clogged with driftwood that riding or even finding the route was difficult. Years ago there was some better singletrack to ride but apparently it is now off limits to all but hikers. Too bad. The only redeeming value to this ride was the natural beauty of the area. That's not enough to draw me back anytime soon.

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  • sboeren
    *****

    This is not single track, but still fun. This is mostly for horse back riders. If you do the loop, check out the creek bottom (dry in August). had fun riding down stream on large rock foundation.

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  • ****

    First time out and had no expectations. Rode three separate double track loops and enjoyed them all. Nothing extremely technical but bring your lungs cause all the loops end with long climbs out. Some of the creek crossing could be a nightmare of there was actually running water in them. Lots of cool thing off of the trails to look at/play in. Two caves (closed due to WNS), lots of flat rock in the dry creek bed to play on. One negative is it lacks the maintenance other trails in the area get and is shared by horses. The horse use is evident but I managed on a rigid Karate Monkey so it's more then doable.

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  • toxic_
    ***

    I don't know much about this trail, except that you need to be really careful about which entrance you use. I used the Tomlin road trailhead, and it's about 1/4 mile of very easy trail, then a basically unrideable monster death hill. Once you drag your bike down that hill, you've got about 50 feet of trail before you hit "Public Use Ends" signs.

    I'm sure the other reviews are pretty accurate, just wanted to point out that the Tomlin road entrance is not where you want to ride.

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